Family Mediation - How Does it Work?

First Step - Initial Information Meeting

The first meeting will be an initial information meeting, which will last around 45  minutes. 

This involves the mediator seeing each party either separately or together to discuss the current situation and issues that need to be discussed in mediation.

At this first meeting a financial assessment will be carried out. If you are entitled to Legal Aid, your costs relating to your case will be fully covered by the Legal Services Commission.

If you are not entitled to Legal Aid, there is a cost for each session. Details of costs will be given to you at the assessment meeting.  There is no charge for the initial meeting.

Once the mediator has carried out the initial meeting with both parties and it has been agreed by all that the case is suitable for mediation, a joint  appointment will be made to start mediating

How long will the mediation take?

The number of meetings will depend on the number and complexity of the issues that need to be resolved. 

• Child only issues will usually take two or three sessions, each session lasting around 1 hour.

• Property & Finance issues will usually take three to four sessions with each session lasting around 1.5 hours.

• AIM (All issues Children, Property & Finance) three to four sessions, each session lasting around 1.5 hours.

If your case involves Property & Finance the mediator will assist you to make sure all the relevant information and documents are gathered. Mediators are trained and qualified professionals who work to a national code of practice.

What happens during mediation?

Child Only Issues
Major decisions affecting children are likely to be:

· Where they live
· What arrangements will be made for them to spend time with each parent and other relatives
· What financial support is required to meet their needs

Property & Finance / AIMs (All Issues Mediation)
Issues that are likely to be discussed:

· How should the proceeds be shared

· Who should live where?
· Pensions, income & expenditure

Solutions found through mediation are recorded but are not legally binding.  However, in cases involving Property & Finance a legal agreement can be drawn up by solicitors using outcome of mediation statements provided to produce a court order which will be legally binding.

How to Make a Referral

Please click here to download referral form