Family Mediation Video

 The aim of  family mediation is to reduce conflict and improve communication between the  different parties.

 The mediation process can help towards drafting an  agreement/ settlement/proposal document.  This document can be given to a  solicitor and turned in to a draft consent order to be  presented to court for approval. A consent order is legally binding. 

Cost effective

Time efficient

Voluntary

Confidential

Solution focused

Appointments that are flexible

You decide the outcome

You decide on the number sessions you would like to attend

Opportunity to put your view 

Time to reflect 

Seek legal advice 

• A first consultation meeting/ MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting)
•  Divorce and separation
• Child arrangements
• Property and Financial 
• Draft agreements for consent orders
• Parenting Plans
• Child arrangement Plans
• Memorandum of Understanding
• Open Financial Statement

Family Mediation entails both parties attending a separate mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM). This meeting is 30 - 45 minutes in duration. 

Attending a mediation, information and assessment meeting (MIAM) is required by the Family courts before any court applications can made to the Family Court. 

Attending a MIAM provides the  opportunity for the mediator to assess whether mediation is suitable for both parties and most importantly, for you to gather more information about the next steps and to decide whether mediation can work for you.  

The number of mediation sessions after the MIAM  will depend on the complexity of the dispute. 

Disputes around child arrangements can range between 2-4 hours in length. 

All issues mediation involving children and financials can range between 6-8 hours in length. 

We offer 1-1.5 hourly sessions. 

Q) Do I need a mediation certificate before making an application to Family Court?

A) Yes you do require a mediation certificate. A mediation certificate can be requested if mediation breaks down or the respondent chooses to not engage with the service.  Exemptions to attending a first consultation meeting/ MIAM: evidence of domestic abuse, bankruptcy order, evidence of criminal proceedings. 

Q) What is a first consultation meeting/MIAM?

A) A  first consultation meeting is a mediation, information and assessment meeting with a trained Family Mediator 

Q) Is a first consultation meeting different from mediation ?

A) yes , a first consultation meeting is on your own with the mediator, where he/she will help you to decide whether mediation is suitable. Mediation starts after both clients attend a separate first consultation meeting and agree to proceed with joint mediation meetings to resolve their dispute. 

Q)How long is the first consultation meeting?

A) 30-45 minutes held online,  or face to face at extra cost. 

Q)How long is the family mediation meetings?

Each joint family mediation session is 1.5 hours. Depending on the issue the number of sessions required can range between 2-4. 

Q)When do I pay for the mediation sessions?

A) Each mediation session is paid by BACS (bank automated clearing  service)  in advance of each session