Mediation is a structured way to resolve disagreements with the help of a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator guides both parties involved in the conflict to communicate effectively and explore solutions that work for everyone.

In most cases, the parties will meet together with the mediator in a private setting. However, if this is not possible, the mediator can explore alternative arrangements, such as separate meetings, to facilitate communication and a productive outcome.

Family mediation is a specific type of mediation that focuses on resolving family issues, such as child custody or finances, during separation or divorce.

No. Mediation is about helping couples who are separating or divorcing. It offers you the chance to resolve issues arising from the breakdown of your relationship.

Many people find mediation less stressful than going to court. It helps you to negotiate and make your own decisions about what is right for you. It is usually quicker and cheaper than court proceedings.

Mediation is a process in which you, in consultation with the other party, are able to decide which issues you discuss and at what pace the negotiations move. The agenda is agreed between the participants, with the assistance of the mediator. The court process tends to follow a strict process with a time-table set by the judges. The court will also decide which issues are dealt with in which order, although you would have some input into that decision-making process.

No – you do not need a solicitor to come to mediation, although your solicitor can refer you to mediation if you decide that that is appropriate. Many people decide to come to mediation themselves. We will ask for some basic contact details and make arrangements for an initial information meeting. However, we cannot give you legal advice and will recommend that you speak to a solicitor as well as coming to mediation to provide you any legal advice where that is necessary.

Mediation can work alongside the legal process or be a substitute for it. Some couples resolve all of their issues within the mediation process before seeking legal advice. Some couples are referred by their solicitors either before or during the court process. From time to time couples resolve some of their issues within mediation and continue to use the court process to deal with those which they have not resolved. Any negotiations which take place within mediation are confidential and cannot be used within the court process.

This is a decision that you will need to make for yourself. If you would like to try and resolve your problems directly with your ex-partner or ex-spouse by discussing your issues, in a neutral environment in the presence of an impartial mediator, and finding common ground to move forward then the answer is probably yes. If you have any concerns about your own safety or the safety of your children or feel you cannot speak directly to your ex-partner or ex-spouse for whatever reason then the answer is probably no. A discussion about this would take place at an initial information meeting (called a MIAM).

Since every family is different every mediation is different. How long the mediation process takes for you will depend on the number of issues there are to resolve. Each session will last for 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the issues to be discussed.

Since mediation is about you resolving your dispute for yourself when you attend mediation you will be asked to come with an open mind and enter into constructive negotiations.

Solutions last for longer and are more settled when they are reached through negotiation and agreement, and outcomes for children are better when parents are able to communicate with each other to make arrangements for them.

We take the safety of all participants in the mediation process very seriously. We will ensure that we put into place measures which allow everyone to participate fully without fear in the process.

Outcomes achieved in mediation are not legally binding. If you resolve your issues then you will need to seek legal advice as to how to formulate a legally binding arrangement if that is what you want or need. The mediator will provide you with a written Memorandum of Understanding or Parenting Plan which records the outcome of the mediation process. If you have been discussing financial matters then the mediator will also provide you with an Open Financial Summary recording the information which has been disclosed within the mediation.

Mediation is a process designed to facilitate reaching proposals which both of you accept. If that cannot be achieved then the mediation process will come to an end. It may be that you can find solutions to some but not all of your problems before the process concludes.

The mediator will be able to provide you both with some basic information about the legal system and the factors taken into account, although we do not offer legal advice. You will be advised to seek independent legal advice so that you can satisfy yourself that the outcome is fair.

If, during the mediation, it seems that there are issues with which you need assistance that we cannot provide then we will do our best to provide you with details which will allow you to access that help.