The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
What You Need to Know Going through a separation or divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved To encourage separat...
Mediation is the process through which independent mediators try to help a couple reach agreement about the arrangements to be made for children and/or finances following their decision to divorce or separate. It is sometimes wrongly thought to be a discussion about the relationship and whether a reconciliation is possible.
Some separating couples are wary about mediating. There is plenty of evidence, though, to prove that mediated settlements are longer-lasting than court decisions, are less acrimonious and are cheaper.
The benefits of mediation are worth considering even if you are cautious. It is a good way of resolving issues and disagreements because it means you can work together to find solutions that work for you both and which take into account your respective priorities and objectives.
You can also work out a resolution that’s totally tailored to the needs of your children. This point alone makes it really worth considering.
Mediation can often help to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding because you are talking to each other directly and the mediator can help you both to be clear about what it is you are wanting to say. The mediator provides a safe and supported space and helps you to structure your discussions so that they remain on track. They can guide you through difficult processes like resolving financial issues on a step-by-step basis.
The mediator is an expert in family issues so they can provide information and guidance on all aspects of separation.
Arb Med (Arbitration-Mediation) What is it? Arb Med is a combination of arbitration and mediation. The order is important. First, you’d instruct an arbitrator who would direct that you attend...
Learn moreA child-inclusive mediator (CIM) is a specially trained mediator talks and listens to your children. Usually, but not always, the child inclusive mediator will be separate to your mediator or...
Learn moreCollaborative Practice is where specially trained lawyers work together to help you both sort things out; they will never work against each other or try to win; they will not...
Learn moreHybrid (or lawyer assisted, or supported or integrative) mediation What is it? Where one or both of you have your lawyers present in mediation. The lawyer(s) can be there all...
Learn moreMediation is where a highly trained person provides you and your ex with assistance to sort things out. You usually meet the mediator on your own so they can see...
Learn moreA Round Table meeting is where lawyers and you feel it’s a good idea to meet ‘around the table’ or online together. Sometimes this is called ‘collab lite’ as the...
Learn moreFamily mediators are independent, professionally trained individuals who help you work out arrangements for children and finances following separation. Mediators can also be helpful when arrangements you’ve made before need to change, particularly as your children grow up. The mediator will help you find a solution which works for you both and will explain what needs to happen to make an agreement between you legally binding.
Learn moreWhat You Need to Know Going through a separation or divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved To encourage separat...
How we communicate and the language we use is fundamental to all of our lives How parents talk about the world, their problems and relationships and h...
There are many issues which separating parents need to bear in mind under Scots’ Law This article will address some of the most common queries W...
Not a lot of people know this, but since 2010 it’s been possible to appoint a barrister to advise or represent you without going through a solic...
Most of the public don’t realise that there are alternatives to family court or the traditional letter writing service offered by most lawyers&n...
What I do The questions, what is a family mediator, and what does a family mediator do are common questions for those just about to embark on the fami...
What I do What does an Arbitrator do As an Arbitrator I am appointed by a couple and make decisions that are be final and binding on both participants...
What I do As a family barrister, my primary role is to represent individuals in legal proceedings related to family law matters This includes divorce,...
So, if you are separating and possibly considering divorce, how do you choose the right professional support for you First, you n...
In most cases, working out your own arrangements in mediation following separation or divorce is the best way forward This is because it is quicker, l...
When you separate there may be so many things to think about that it can feel very overwhelming As a parent, it is not unusual to be worried or concer...
A MIAM (Mediation Information And Assessment Meeting) is the first step whether you think you need to make an application to court, wish to mediate or...
If you want to take your case to Court, in most cases (unless you have made an allegation of domestic abuse and have specific evidence in support of t...
The simple answer to such a question is: ‘I don’t expect you to’ There are many situations where family mediation is not the best op...
People only ask the above question when they are convinced they should be going to court They feel that a Mediation Information and Assessment Me...
It is good to acknowledge that you may be nervous and wary of your ex-partner Mediation is a really helpful supportive process, but it may still...
Once you’ve decided that family mediation is the right service for you, you have a number of practical things to consider But first and foremost...
I feel privileged when parents approach me about mediation and entrust me with helping them work through the children aspects of their separation From...
Is my ex allowed to change my child’s surname Well, to answer the question, you first need to know who has parental responsibility What follows ...
The first key question here is whether you share something called ‘parental responsibility’ (PR) Parental responsibility is a legal status...
We have had the biggest overhaul of our divorce system for over 50 years which came into force in April 2022 The aim of this being to introduce a &ldq...
When parents separate, children are inevitably affected Many parents will wonder whether they should ask the children where they want to live What is ...
If you are suffering any form of domestic abuse within or following the breakdown of a relationship, you are likely to feel extremely unsettled, frigh...
Words can wound or words can heal In the context of a relationship breakdown it is often the case that the expression of unresolved hurt arising from ...
This book is easy to read and has all the information about mediation you need. It has been written by leading family solicitor and mediator Jo O'Sullivan. The book takes the reader through the mediation process and explains how it can be used as a standalone solution or as part of other processes.
The Family Mediation Council (FMC) is a not-for-profit organisation that maintains a professional register of family mediators. It doesn’t provide mediation itself or recommend a particular provider. All FMC Registered Mediators are trained to a set standard.
Charity offering relationship counselling, family counselling, mediation, children's counselling, young people's counselling and sex therapy.
advicenow's free download on mediation.
Information on Legal Aid and family mediation.