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. 

Should I Be Concerned About Going To Mediation?

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 Offer A Safe And Supported Space

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.

Specialisms

Arbitration Mediation

Arbitration Mediation

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...

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Child Inclusive Mediation

Child Inclusive Mediation

A 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...

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Collaborative Practice

Collaborative Practice

Collaborative 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...

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Hybrid Mediation

Hybrid Mediation

Hybrid (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...

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Mediation

Mediation

Mediation 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...

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Round Table

Round Table

A 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...

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Professions

Family Mediator

Family Mediator

Family 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.

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Useful Initiatives

Legal Aid

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External Resources

(Almost) Anything But Family Court

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.

Family Mediation Council

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.

Relate

Charity offering relationship counselling, family counselling, mediation, children's counselling, young people's counselling and sex therapy.

advicenow

advicenow's free download on mediation.

National Family Mediation

Information on Legal Aid and family mediation.