Mediators

​Solicitor, Accredited All Issues Mediator, Direct Child Consultant and PPC

​Jennie Byrne LLM, LLB Exempting
Accredited FMC Mediator
Child Inclusive Mediator (CIM)
Professional Practice Consultant  (PPC)
Workplace Mediator
 
Summary of Academic and Professional Achievements and Qualifications include:

• LLB Exempting Law Degree.
• Qualifying as a Solicitor (2007).
• Accredited All Issues Mediator through Resolution (2010).
• A Masters in Child Law (2010) giving her specialist knowledge in cases involving children.
• Legal Aid Supervisor.
• Family Mediation Council Accredited Mediator authorised for the conduct and completion of Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
• Direct Child Consultant (2012) know known as Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM).
• Accredited Member of HSSF ‘Help and Support for Separated Families’ (2014).
• Accredited as a Professional Practice Consultant PPC (2015). This enables Jennie to supervise and support other Mediators.
• Previously Law Society Family Accredited.
• Registered as an Accredited Member of the Family Mediation Council (2015 and annually ever since).
• Workplace Mediation (2017).
• Mediation Consultant (2024).

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• Summary of my Professional Background
   
  I qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 and have been committed to helping families in my professional capacity, working within Family Law ever since.
   
  I completed a Master’s degree in Child Law in 2010, which developed my understanding of the laws relating to children.
   
  2010 was a busy year as I also qualified as a fully Accredited All Issues Mediator, through Resolution First for Family Law.
   
  I am authorised and approved by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) as an Accredited Mediator. This means I am able to undertake all areas of Family Mediation and am able to undertake Mediation Information Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and sign off MIAM forms  (often referred to as Court Forms) which are required by the Family Court prior to an application being issued (save for a few limited exceptions).
   
  In 2012 I became a Direct Child Consultant, which enables me to undertake Child Inclusive Mediation. This is a process, which if appropriate and the parents consent enables me to invite and meet children to explore their views about the things that matter to them. This can assist parents their children’s views into their decision-making. The benefits of this process is widely accepted as beneficial for families and in particular, children of separated families. This process is often referred to as the “Voice of the Child”.
  I am an experienced Mediator, who aims to assist families experiencing conflict, to resolve issues and help them determine arrangements which are appropriate and suitable for them individually and collectively.
   
  I assist committed families in relation to ALL ISSUES which arise from relationship breakdown. I have assisted and explored complex and sensitive arrangements for children as well as property and financial issues. These issues have included resolution of:
• the day to day care of children,
• arrangements for special occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day
• sibling contact
• time with grandparents, extended family members and non parents
• holidays
• passports
• relocation
• school choices
• school fees
• determination of parentage
• delegation or formalisation of Parental Responsibility (PR)
• children’s names and surnames
• communication
• co-parenting
• carer boundaries 
• child maintenance
• responsibility for activities
• current and future housing needs
• formalisation of separation including divorce
• interim and long term financial arrangements and how these are formalised
• business ownership
• contents
• vehicle ownership
•  debt
• pension provision

• Having a background as being a family solicitor means that I am in my role as a Mediator able to use my legal knowledge and experience to assist families experiencing dispute, to help them identify and explore strategies and options. This can assist them in determining realistic and workable solutions and settlements, which meet their specific needs. In addition, I can ensure that families are aware of how to put their proposals into action, are aware of and have access to appropriate independent legal and financial advice, as well as other services who may be able to support the parties and their family, along with details of alternative processes that may assist them.

• As a Mediator I am able to signpost families to individuals, organisations and services who may be able to support and assist them. In my role as a family Solicitor and Mediator, I have and continue to develop independent and professional relationships and where appropriate co-work with number of Solicitors, Mediators, support services, Property Valuers, Accountants, Mortgage Advisors, Pension Actuaries, Financial Neutrals, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counsellors, Life Coaches, Divorce Coaches, Schools, Domestic Abuse Workers.
  I am able to offer private remote Mediation on face to face or shuttle (where the parties sit in separate rooms). In some circumstances it maybe possible to offer physical appointments at an office at a variety of locations including but not limited to Chesterfield, Mansfield and Sheffield. Such appointments must be arranged in advance, as this will incur additional costs.
   
  In 2015 I became a (PPC) Professional Practice Consultant, which means I provide assistance and support to other family Mediators in:
• their Mediation practice,
• Supervision (including Legal Aid Supervision),
• Legal Aid Audits,
• Obtaining and maintaining their FMC Accreditation.
• This is something I feel is very important to ensure as a profession we are able to offer our services at a high standard, as required by the FMC.
  In 2017 I trained and became a workplace Mediator, which has enabled me to support and assist employees, employees, directors, family members within family businesses and HR organisation in dealing with and resolving disputes which have arisen within the workplace, including:
• Proposed changes in work, systems, teams
• Professional relationships
• Effective implementation of policies and processes
• HR issues
• I have been able to provide support and assistance on an individual and team basis for small businesses through to government funded organisations. 

Previous Mediation client’s have said about me:
 
“The mediator was very knowledgeable, professional and neutral. She kept the issues on track which helped me. She was clear and precise. There was no legal jargon.” Mr H, Mansfield

“Mediation was an extremely easy process to follow. After years of dealing with other firms of solicitors, and protracted correspondence, a resolution was come to after 4 sessions. My mediator was unbiased but sympathetic.” Ms B, Heanor

‘The Hard Work and Professionalism was appreciated.” MR S
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“Please to pass on my sincerest thanks to Ms Bryne for her efforts. Her professionalism and client care was second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to others who could make better use of them.” Mr W
 
“My expectations were that it may be a convoluted process. In fact, it was the opposite, and it was easy to understand. You have provided a suitable platform for discussion to be held between two parties who were struggling to do so. It has been a helpful process and resolved matters. Thank you for your assistance and guidance during the process; it is much appreciated and has resolved a situation that wouldn’t have otherwise been sorted out.” Anonymous
 
“Would you please also pass on my thanks to Jennie Byrne for her time and patience with me yesterday and my apologies for being so emotional.” Anonymous
 
“I had a mediation assessment on by FaceTime. I really recommend this kind of session. Everything was absolutely clear and understandable. We did not have any technical issues. English is my second language and it is much easier to speak face to face, also, our conversation by FaceTime did not bring me additional difficulties. Very good solution especially in this difficult time.” Anonymous
 
To contact Jennie please do so at [email protected] please be aware that due to hear impartiality she will be unable to discuss the substantive nature of your dispute.  

Elizabeth J Bilton LLB (Hons)

Solicitor, PI DIP, Civil, Commercial, Workplace and Family Mediation Council (FMC), Family Accredited Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator (CIM) and PPC for Accredited and Mediators working towards Accreditation.
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I qualified as a Solicitor in 1993 and became a General Practitioner in Crime, Conveyancing, Wills, Probate and Personal Injury cases, prior to developing skills as a Specialist Family Lawyer in children and financial matters.  I later became a Care Lawyer in Public Law proceedings. I trained and qualified in Civil, Commercial, Family and Workplace Mediation.  I now practise predominantly in the Mediation arena.

​Family Mediation
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MIAMS
As an FMC, All Issues, Accredited Mediator I am authorised to conduct MIAMS, sometimes referred to as Assessment Meetings.
The recent changes to the Family Procedure Rules make it even more important to ensure every party attends their own MIAM to understand what their options are for Non-Court Dispute Resolution and what the Court will expect of them and their legal representative in keeping as many cases out of court as possible.
 
MEDIATION SESSIONS

Children
As an Accredited Mediator I am registered with the Ministry of Justice to provide non means tested mediation under their “Family Voucher Scheme”. Families can benefit from £500 towards their sessions.
Mediation involving children's arrangements, often involves parents and also extended family. 
Issues requiring discussion may include -

• Where children live and how they share their time, when and with whom.
• Routines for pre-schoolers- children in primary and secondary school through to further education provision and support.
• Health care arrangements special needs or requirements
• Choice of educational setting / funding
• School holiday arrangements- often challenging for working parents.
• Family holidays – duration, bookings, travel, passports, venue etc.
• Financial support
• Practical arrangements - logistics, career, care juggling and other children’s needs etc.
• Adult concerns, boundaries and expectations of themselves as parents and also in respect of children’s care.
• The wishes and feelings of the children in accordance with their age and maturity. Often referred to as the Voice of the Child or Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) [assumed now for those 10yrs and over and often beneficial for younger children]
• Extended relatives and new partners involvement and parameters.

 
Financial Mediations
I help families deal with complex financial and logistical arrangements surrounding their financial settlement which often involving: -

• The family home – current and future options to retain or planning future accommodation
• Commercial property or Buy to Let portfolios
• Business Interests (partnerships companies [family or non- relative])
• Debt, borrowing and the importance of taxation burden,
• Investment Portfolios, Trusts, TOLATA (Trusts for land where parties are not married, or are not in a relationship)
• Pensions from different providers.  Valuing income / capital division for either Pension Sharing or Offsetting.
• The use of Experts including Lawyers, IFA, Independent Financial Neutrals, Actuaries and Valuers.
• Evolving analysis on current and changing Income and capital need.

 Parties engaged in any mediation often need to understand and explore the legal scenery in which they find themselves safely before they are able to make decisions about the future.

My role in the mediation is to provide information to assist them in making informed decisions.
It is my role is to help them understand in an impartial manner the options they wish to consider, look at alternatives and the impact they have.  Reality checking ensures solutions are fully understood and outcomes are likely to be effective and enduring.

Parties often mediate without retaining legal representation at the outset, parties will however be encouraged to seek legal advice.
 In a mediation process there will be opportunities and strategies which a Mediator may suggest, assisting moving matters forward.  This may include the use of Early Neutral Evaluation or Arbitration. 

The aim of the Mediation process is for the parties to reach a point where they, on their own, or via representatives, can achieve a resolution, closure of a dispute by settlement or set of boundaries regulating future conduct/contact.
Mediation processes are designed to resolve disputes in a timely manner, avoiding court delays, without spending thousands of pounds form family resources which cannot be recovered and minimise the harmful effects of protracted negotiation or litigation at court.
 
Mediating Parties and Representatives attendance within Mediation.
I offer hybrid mediation parties affected by separation and who are represented and wish to have their representatives support them within the mediation process, to resolve:

• interim and long-term arrangements for family finances,
• living arrangements and parental planning for their children’s routines.
• Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM).

 
Hybrid mediation may allow for the potential use/involvement of experts to be identified and engaged at at the outset, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome, whilst minimising potential delay and cost.
 
Delivery method for Mediation
Provided by a range of online /Zoom and in person mediation services.  These can be either Face to Face or Shuttle. (Participants do not see or hear each other). 

Role of Mediator
My role is to provide impartial and relevant information as well as practical strategies to assist discussions and facilitate an outcome acceptable to both parties.
I offer a calm environment through the setting of professional boundaries to facilitate sensitive, safe and practical discussions.  It is from this basis the parties can fully engage and identify practical outcomes to be forged, bespoke to their family situation.
Timing of sessions and pace of process is important for parties in achieving their success.
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Additional/external support and Experts
I assist parties address / navigate the more emotional aspects flowing from a separation, I will sign post to other services providing support, advice or services relevant to their situation.
I work with parties, who often have, very different levels of understanding, or confidence, or who are at very different stages in the process of separating, coming to terms with the issues and conflicts arising from separation. 
I am an impartial facilitator; I provide information which enables decisions to be reached on an informed basis. 
Every mediation is unique to the participants and their particular circumstances.

Experts
Knowing when the involvement of an expert is needed to progress a mediation, having experience in locating suitable experts, and facilitating their expertise to resolve thorny issues is important. 
There are times when the use of experts adds huge value and avoids escalating costs and delay in reaching the acceptable outcome.   
Experts often used in family matters are to assist with valuations of properties, businesses, investment portfolios, Actuaries and Independent Financial Neutrals who are Pensions On Divorce Experts (PODE) help value pensions analyse what Pension Sharing or Offsetting arrangements may be appropriate and others with Therapeutic, Counselling or Educational backgrounds offer parties invaluable support in minimising the harmful impacts of separation for them and their children.
Outcomes
These are usually full outcomes or partial.  They can be informal, recorded confidentially or converted to a binding settlement by a consensual Child Arrangements Order or by a Financial Remedy Order by Consent.

WORKPLACE
Cases- pre grievance or post investigation/ grievances not upheld and work required to ensure parties are able to work within the same/adjacent environment whilst minimising the potential for future conflict

• Involving employers, managers, employees and teams – currently 100 % success
• Remote, if not required on site.
• Cases undertaken –
• Senior Health Care Workers NHS - Managers - Traffic Wardens - Police Officers Teachers - Large diverse teams with linguistic, cultural, religious backgrounds.

 
MENTORING _-  PRIVATE PRACTISE CONSULTANT  FMC [PPC]
As a PPC I am available to support and mentor other mediators working under the Family Mediation Council Code of Conduct.
 
Background - Training
I trained with Resolution as an All-Issues Mediator in 1997. Midlands Mediation was established in 1998 and managed a Legal Aid Contract from 1999 until 2023.
2002 I trained to include Direct Child Consultation.  This is now often referred to as “Child Inclusive “Mediation, enabling parents to involve and incorporate the Wishes and Feelings of their children into their decision-making process, where appropriate and encouraging the “Voice of the Child”.
2010 I became a Professional Practice Consultant for other family mediators seeking mentoring and experience in the field of family mediation.  I provide co- mediation facilities and also observe and mentor. 
2012 I qualified with ADRG as a Civil and Commercial mediator.  My experience has been predominantly TOLATA cases and other financially related issues involving parties/ third party interests falling outside the family jurisdiction.
2016 I added to the scope of mediations by qualifying as a Workplace Mediator and undertake pre and post grievance mediation, involving employers, managers, employees and team dynamics.
I have a diverse and active mediation practice. I am pleased to receive referrals from professionals, recommendation or directly by the parties themselves
Qualifications include:

• Personal Injury Diploma 1996
• Accredited All Issues Mediator Resolution (1997)

• Advanced Law Society Family Panel member (last reaccredited 2018)
• Law Society Children’s Panel member
• Law Society Mediation Panel Accredited
• Direct Child Consultation 2002
• Resolution Trained Private Practice Consultant 2010
• Civil and Commercial Mediation Training ADRG 2012
• Workplace Mediation 2016
• Accredited member of the Family Mediation Council registered to undertake MIAMS.
• Ongoing re accreditation as practising FMC Mediator
• Training as a Resolution Trainer for Family and Mediation practitioners 2024.