Family mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process, supported by impartial mediators to come to mutual decisions.

Why mediation?

Choosing family mediation can offer several advantages over traditional legal proceedings in resolving family disputes. Here are key reasons to consider family mediation:

  • Cost Effective: Mediation is generally less expensive than going through the court system, saving both time and money.

  • Confidentiality: Mediation sessions are private and confidential, unlike court proceedings which are often part of the public record.

  • Control and Flexibility: The parties involved have more control over the process and the outcomes, as opposed to a judge making decisions for them. Mediation sessions can be scheduled at times that are convenient for all parties.

  • Preservation of Relationships: Mediation encourages cooperative problem-solving and communication, which can help preserve and improve relationships, particularly important in family settings.

  • Customised Solutions: Mediation allows for creative, personalised solutions tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the family, which might not be possible in a court ruling.

  • Less Adversarial: The mediation process is typically less adversarial than court litigation, reducing stress and emotional strain on all parties involved.

  • Faster Resolution: Mediation can often resolve disputes more quickly than the traditional court process, which can be lengthy due to backlogs and procedural requirements.

  • Empowerment and Communication: The process empowers parties to express their views and needs directly and to communicate openly, fostering mutual understanding.

  • Focus on the Future: Mediation helps parties to focus on future arrangements and agreements rather than dwelling on past conflicts.

  • Voluntary Participation: Mediation is a voluntary process, ensuring that all parties are willing participants, which can lead to more amicable and durable agreements.

Common Scenarios for Family Mediation

  • Divorce and Separation: Issues such as division of assets, child custody, and support arrangements can be resolved through mediation.

  • Parenting Plans: Mediation helps create effective parenting plans that work in the best interests of the children.

  • Family Business Disputes: Addressing conflicts arising within family-owned businesses.

Family mediation offers a collaborative, respectful, and often more effective way to resolve disputes, making it an attractive alternative to litigation for many families.

Did you know if you have children CWP Resolutions can help you claim up to £500 to help you with mediation.

The family mediation voucher scheme is designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government has set up the scheme to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate. If you wish to see if you are eligible for this £500 and would like to start family mediation please get in touch.

Informative: To educate parties about the benefits and process of mediation as an alternative to court proceedings. It aims to explain how mediation can be a less adversarial, more collaborative approach to resolving disputes.

Assessment: To assess whether mediation is a suitable method for resolving the specific issues at hand. The mediator evaluates whether the case is appropriate for mediation, considering factors like the nature of the dispute and the willingness of parties to cooperate.

Mandatory Requirement: In the UK, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before applying to the family court for certain orders, such as child arrangements orders or financial orders, unless an exemption applies.

How does it work?

  • Both parties will attend a ‘Mediation Initial Assessment Meeting’ (MIAM) separately

  • The primary goals of MIAM are:

  • At the end of the assessment, the mediator will tell you if your case is appropriate for mediation, and you decide how to proceed

  • Your mediator can also offer support signposting, such as independent financial advisors and counselling

Fees

MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings) £120 online | £120 in-person

Mediation Sessions £150 online | £150 in-person

Memorandum of Understanding and Financial Summary £150 per document, per person

Please note: All in-person sessions are subject to a room booking and admin fee.

Divorce Law as of 6th April 2022

  • Any person can seek to divorce without requirement of the other’s consent, therefore it will no longer be possible to contest a divorce, except on limited grounds including jurisdiction

  • Removes the ability to make allegations about the conduct of a spouse

  • Allows couples to have a meaningful period of reflection and chance to reconsider by having a period between the start of proceedings and the application of a conditional order

  • Where a divorce is inevitable, it enables couples to cooperate and plan for the future

  • Allows couples to end their marriage jointly