Family Mediation - Helping you to reach an agreement
Who can use Family Mediation and what for?
Family Mediation is for anyone in a family who needs help resolving
a family issue. It is increasingly used by separating couples to
reach agreement about children and finances, so that they don’t end
up in Court. It could also be used, for example, by grandparents
seeking contact with grandchildren or other problems across extended
families.
The aim
The aim is to make a written agreement describing the arrangements you have decided on. This agreement should meet the needs of the whole family and avoid creating winners or losers.
Meetings not hearings
In mediation you meet round the table with a mediator. The mediator
is trained to help you to discuss issues in a constructive way in
order to reach agreement. This involves helping you and your partner
listen to each other and find a solution that you can live with.
The mediator will not take sides, and is not there to judge you or
make a decision for you.
All discussions in mediation are confidential. They take place in
private, in an informal setting, usually without lawyers present.
Will I still need a lawyer?
Yes – to advise each of you so that the agreement you reach is sound
and can be legally binding. Mediators cannot give you legal advice
because they have to remain impartial, although they can give you
general information about how the law works.
How long does Family Mediation take?
Mediation typically lasts for between two and four sessions,
depending on how complex the issues are. The length of each session
is usually no more than one and a half hours. Mediation is often
significantly cheaper and quicker than having a solicitor to
negotiate on your behalf. And it produces real benefits in terms of
helping you to find better ways of communicating to resolve issues
in the future.
We know that you and your partner are the best
people to decide what is right for your family, and mediation puts
you both in control of the outcome.
Legal Aid is available for Family Mediation if you are eligible and
we can advise you about this.
Mary Shaw is a Resolution trained Family
Mediator.
To find out whether mediation could work for you please contact
Mary Shaw.
Fill in our online form and ask for a
call back here.
Collaborative Family Law
at David Gray Solicitors LLP.
Can we come in together to see a
solicitor?
Splitting Up? Don’t want to
go to court? What are my options
