Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you work out arrangements to agree the issues involved in any family dispute. It is often used to help couples agree arrangements for their children and finances following separation and divorce.

Mediation can also be helpful when arrangements you’ve made before need to change, particularly as your children grow up. Some mediators, like us, are trained to meet with children so that they can have a voice in the process too.

Mediation is a voluntary process and helps you stay in control. No-one will make you do anything against your wishes.

The mediator will help you find a solution which works for everyone and will explain what needs to happen to make an agreement between you legally binding.

The process is less stressful and significantly quicker than going to court and can save you a significant amount of money compared to the costs of employing a lawyer to deal with everything. Lawyers can be used to create the court order, if one is needed. many lawyers will do this for a fixed fee.

Mediators work in ways that are flexible and tailor-made for your situation.  You do not have to be in the same space as your ex if you or the mediator decides that working with you in separate spaces would be preferable. Most mediations are now conducted online but meetings can also be face to face. Lawyers can also be involved if that would help.

When dealing with the financial issues as part of a separation and/or divorce, full financial disclosure has to be provided and the mediator will explain what information and documents have to be exchanged. There is then an opportunity to ask questions about the disclosure before discussions about how to share the assets begin. Sometimes, experts need to be involved too, such as property valuers, tax experts, financial advisers or pension experts. This is so that the necessary information is available to help a couple make informed decisions about what a fair settlement might look like.

Before family mediation can start the couple, each have to have a private and confidential meeting called a MIAM meeting. You can find further information about these meetings on our website – www.familymediationandmentoring.co.uk. You can also book a free call with us via the BOOK NOW button on the homepage of our website or email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk

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