Mediation works because it is an affordable way to sort out differences about your children and your finances with the help of an experienced professional mediator who won’t take sides. It is the job of the mediator to make sure that you are both focussed on reaching agreements and feel listened to and heard so you can reach agreements which will work now and in the future
Mediation is an organised process in which you will be helped by the mediator to find solutions and reach agreement.
The first meeting is for you alone. It will be a chance for you to explain your situation and talk about any worries you may have. The mediator will also give you information about the mediation process and what the next steps will be, as well as sources of support and information for people who are separating.
At each stage of the mediation, the process will be explained fully. You will also be encouraged to obtain legal advice before making any final decisions.
“Deciding to separate is hard enough, the decisions that follow are made easier with mediation”
Does mediation work?
Yes. It is supported by the courts and the Ministry of Justice through the MOJ voucher schemw . In most cases some agreement can be reached or in financial cases financial information shared.
Read more about how mediation works for you – Why mediation works.
Are mediatiors qualified?
All Family Matters mediators are Family mediation Council Accredited, the means we have professional standards and are regulated. You can check on the Family Mediation Council register www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/fmc-register-search/. If you find a mediator listed here and there is a letter T at the end of the registration number, this means that the mediator is working towards Family Mediation Council accreditation.
What if mediation doesn’t work?
If mediation doesn’t work or is not appropriate, we will issue a form signed by a mediator to confirm you have taken part in mediation or a mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM). This is the form you will need if you wish to apply to court for a court order. To find out more about applying to court;
What’s involved?
The first meeting is for you on your own. At this meeting the mediator will be able to explain how mediation can work and what could happen.
- You open a case with Family Matters
- Your individual meeting to discuss how mediation can help you (otherwise known as a MIAM – mediation information and assessment meeting).
- Mediation meeting.
What is the point of mediation?
Mediation offers a neutral place to meet and talk about the arrangements for finances or children with a trained, independent mediator, you can discuss your options and to reach agreements which you understand and make sense.
Where will the mediation take place?
Many meetings and mediations now take place successfully online. Our central referral point is Doncaster.If you would prefer an in person meeting please talk to our staff.
We have local offices in each of the areas we work in so you will be offered an appointment near to you.
