If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation helps you sort out disputes – without expensive legal fees<\/strong> or going through a long drawn-out court battle.<\/span><\/p>\nWe as mediators, will help you work out what happens after you split up. We won’t try and get you and your ex-partner back together. We can also help when you’ve been separated a while and need to sort something out. We will listen to you and your ex-partner explain your concerns and views to each other and will help you both reach an agreement.<\/span><\/p>\nMediation works by helping people find practical solutions that feel fair.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
First, you will each meet your mediator separately for a 45 minute meeting, to brief them on relevant aspects of your situation and to see if mediation would be suitable.\u00a0These meetings are known as mediation information and assessment meetings (MIAMS), and can usually be arranged within 5 working days.<\/span><\/p>\nYou will then meet the mediator\/s together for sessions of 90 minutes. The number of sessions you might need depends on the complexity of your case. After each meeting you will receive an outcome summary with details of agreements reached, options considered and items outstanding.\u00a0When you reach a final agreement we prepare a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which is used by a solicitor to draw up a consent order. When approved by a District Judge, this is legally binding.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>Family mediation: What are the benefits?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- gives you more say about what happens<\/strong>. In court a judge will make the decisions. With mediation you and the other party make the decisions.<\/li>\n
- is less stressful<\/strong>, with less conflict between you and your partner. If you have children, it is less upsetting for them. It can help find ways for everyone involved to get on better in the future.<\/li>\n
- improves communication<\/strong> and helps you sort out your future.<\/li>\n
- agreements can be reviewed and changed if you both agree<\/strong> – e.g. if your situation changes, and as your children get older or have different needs.<\/li>\n
- is easier on your children<\/strong> when parents co-operate and helps them continue important family relationships.<\/li>\n
- is quicker, cheaper and provides a better way to sort out disagreements<\/strong> than long drawn – out court battles – helping you to get on with the rest of your life as quickly as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How does it work?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- MIAM:<\/strong> The first step is to come and see one of our mediators for an initial meeting or MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). Each party attends a separate MIAM, which lasts about an hour. The purpose of the meeting is to explain the mediation process in detail and for both you and the mediator to assess the suitability of your situation for mediation. You will have the opportunity to set out the background, issues and possible problems you are facing.<\/li>\n
- Joint Session:<\/strong> Then, after you and your ex-partner have had your MIAMS, we will arrange the first joint session. This lasts for 90 minutes and can be either a face to face meeting or zoom meeting.<\/li>\n
- OFS:<\/strong> In financial cases, following the MIAMS, we prepare an Open Statement of Financial Information (OFS), which forms the basis of future negotiations. It is an agreed schedule of what is in the marital pot and essential for solicitors in order to prepare the consent order.<\/li>\n
- Outcome Documentation:<\/strong> If after negotiations, you reach a settlement, you have a choice as to outcome documentation. You can either ask us to prepare Memorandum of Understanding, a lengthy document setting out the rationale behind the agreement, or you opt for a brief Summary of Heads of Agreement. Most people find that the brief summary is sufficient.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>
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Child Inclusive Mediation<\/span><\/h2>\nChildren are often the main focus for separating parents and their needs are most important. Some of our mediators are trained to see children on their own, so that they can feel involved in the thinking about their future. This would only happen if you, your ex-partner and the child agree.<\/p>\n
Many parents find it helpful to hear how their children are coping with the separation. It is an opportunity to hear what arrangements are working and if there are any aspects which are troubling them. Child consultation is normally offered to children aged 10 or upwards.<\/p>\n
The process involves:<\/p>\n
\n- MIAMs<\/strong>\u00a0for both parents<\/li>\n
- Joint session<\/strong> preparing the parents for feedback (60 minutes)<\/li>\n
- Session with the child<\/strong>, normally face to face (45 minutes)<\/li>\n
- Feedback session<\/strong> and future planning (90 minutes)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
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Games We Play<\/span><\/h2>\nA Communication Seminar<\/strong>
Godalming, Saturday 10 – 4<\/strong><\/p>\nThis seminar is focused on effective communication in relationships. There will be a mix of theory and practice, based on tried and tested models. The session will be confidential and allow you to share specific situations in which you would like to find more effective ways to communicate.<\/p>\n
We will run the event at a country house with extensive grounds, away from the noise of everyday life. Please express interest using the form below and we will set up and run the session at a time that suits your schedule.<\/p>\n
This is run on demand for small groups (4 – 8). <\/span><\/p>\nFee = \u00a3100 (no VAT) <\/span><\/p>\n*20% discount for existing clients<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>
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