What is Mediation in Family Law?
If you need to sort out a divorce, finances following a separation or child arrangements, you may find yourself emotionally charged, which can make it difficult to sit down to calmly sort out and resolve matters amicably.
That’s where family mediation services can make an enormous difference. It could be a faster, cheaper and less formal option than the court system,
Mediation in family law is a flexible, voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party (called a mediator) can help family members to resolve divorce, finances following a separation, or child arrangements in a private, safe, cooperative and supportive environment.
Furthermore, if you need to continue to deal with your partner after a divorce, say in a co-parenting arrangement, then mediation is a great solution because it focuses on the best interests of the children ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in their upbringing, despite the separation. This cooperative approach reduces the emotional stress on children and helps them adjust more easily to the new family life.
What is a mediator’s role?
Professional family mediators are trained to work with people whose relationships have broken down. Their role is not to tell you, or your former partner, what to do, but to ask questions about your situation, facilitate the communication between you both and assist you in reaching amicable and practical arrangements.
The process of mediation allows you and your former partner to resolve family arrangements, enabling you to focus on your children’s needs, your financial future and long-term family wellbeing. Mediation gives you the opportunity to make decisions with care and respect, rather than going to court and having a judge make them for you.
The family mediation process
1. Find a local mediator. Make sure you select someone who is professional, experienced and who you feel comfortable with.
2. Attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to understand more about the process and for the Mediator to assess whether mediation is suitable.
3. Attend the mediation sessions, ensure you take any relevant information and any ideas/goals that you have. The length and number of sessions will depend on your situation.
4. When an agreement is reached, the mediator will write it down in a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ so that everyone is clear about what has been proposed. If advised, you then take the Memorandum of Understanding to your Solicitor to make it legally binding.
Our Family Law team are dedicated to helping families to resolve their arrangements in an amicable and non-confrontational way. With a problem-solving mindset, they are able to reduce the likelihood of disputes escalating. We provide professional support to ensure open and constructive communications. Our experienced and accredited family mediator is committed to finding a solution which works for both mediation participants.