Mediation provides a way for people to work out practical solutions for their family following relationship breakdown. Separating couples can attend mediation in order to agree arrangements for their children and the house and finances. Other family members, including grandparents, can use mediation to resolve wider issues, including issues relating to children.

In some circumstances, mediation clients will want the Court to approve agreements reached in mediation and make those agreements legally binding.

Anyone can refer themselves to mediation. Alternatively, your solicitor can refer you to mediation. In either case, a Referral Form should be completed with details of both parties to the mediation.

On receipt of a Referral Form, we will contact the referred party with an invitation to attend an individual Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) which lasts approximately 45 – 60 minutes. If, at their individual MIAMS, both parties are willing to try mediation and the mediator is satisfied that the matter is suitable for mediation, a first joint mediation meeting will be arranged.

We expect most of our clients to attend two or three  mediation meetings. Some people attend more meetings and some attend fewer meetings. The aim for most people is to reach agreed proposals. Mediation is a voluntary process and ultimately people attend as many meetings as they feel are useful and necessary.