What is mediation?

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Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes which arise before, during or after separation or divorce. It is a voluntary and confidential process in a safe environment where you can talk about the issues, hopes, concerns and needs of each other and your children. Our experienced mediators will help you explore options and help you check if suggestions made can work on a practicable level. The mediator will not advise you what to do or offer counselling .We help you reach an outcome that is under your control. It is quicker than going to court and a lot cheaper both financially and emotionally.  A typical property and finance dispute in court can run into tens of thousands. Mediation is a fraction of the cost and done at your pace.

What is a MIAM's meeting

Since 22 April 2014, most divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales who want to use the court process to resolve any questions about children or money have to show that they have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before they can apply for a court order. A MIAM is a meeting with a specially qualified family mediator will help you decide if there are alternatives to the court process in your case. Our mediators will provide information about options available to you to resolve the issues around your separation, and will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The mediator will also ask questions, and make an assessment to decide whether or not mediation is a suitable way forward for you in your own particular circumstances.
A MIAMs meeting can be done using technology and we can carry out the MIAMs via Skype, Google Hangouts or Apple FaceTime. If you would like to use this facility please contact us to discuss this option.

Do I have to be in the same room ?

We appreciate it is a difficult time for you both and often people do not want to be in the same room. The usual model of mediation  we use is a face to face model but if you prefer, a shuttle mediation model can be used if you feel that you are unable to be in the same room as your ex partner. You would both be in the same building at the same time but in different rooms and your mediator will shuttle between the two of you and convey information as if you were in the same room.  This model takes a little longer. Safety precautions will be set up so you arrive and leave at different times to avoid you bumping into each other. This model is also used where there are orders or bail conditions in place. 
A mediation meeting can be done even if you are in different parts of the country or the world using technology and we can carry out the meeting  via Skype, Google Hangouts or Apple FaceTime