Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process, which helps joint decision making, minimising the use of courts.

As a mediation service our team of expert mediators are accredited through the Family Mediation Council and members of either the College of Mediators, Resolution, National Family Mediation or Family Mediation Assocation. 

Our client managers are on hand to explain how mediation works, what the cost of mediation is and if we can use legal aid and/or vouchers for your case. 

Mediation not only supports couples and families going through a divorce, but those experiencing separations in many other ways such as civil partnerships or same sex partners. 

BOOK A MIAM ONLINE 

Mediation Process

A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a meeting that individuals must attend before they can make an application to court for certain types of family cases in England and Wales. The purpose of a MIAM is to provide individuals with information about the benefits of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, and to assess whether mediation or another form of ADR would be appropriate for their case.

During a MIAM, a trained mediator will meet with the parties separately and together to discuss the issues in their case and to determine whether they are willing and able to participate in mediation. The mediator will also explain the mediation process and answer any questions the parties may have.

If the mediator determines that mediation is not suitable, they will provide the parties with a certificate that they can use to proceed to court. However, if the mediator believes that mediation would be appropriate, they will encourage the parties to participate in the process and will help them to find a suitable mediator if they decide to go ahead with it.

In a family mediation session, a neutral third party mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between members of a family in order to resolve conflicts or disputes. The mediator helps the family members identify and understand their concerns, develop options for resolving the disputes, and make agreements. The goal of the mediation is to help the family reach a mutually acceptable resolution that addresses the needs and interests of all parties involved. The process is typically confidential and non-binding, meaning that the agreements reached are not legally enforceable unless they are put into a legally binding document. Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of family issues, such as child custody, property division, and financial disputes.

Who do we help?

  • separating couples, with or without children
  • married or unmarried couples
  • same-sex couples or not in a civil partnership
  • teenagers who are finding it difficult to get on with parents
  • members of the extended family, e.g. grandparents who may be finding it difficult to see their grandchildren

What can be discussed?

  • where children will live when parents separate
  • conflict around your childs passports
  • how children will share their time between mom and dad
  • how much children will see members of their extended family
  • how parents will communicate with one another in the future about their children and other matters
  • how child support will be arranged
  • how property, pensions, other financial assets, and debts will be divided up
  • whether any agreements are to be formalised in a Separation Deed or in divorce proceedings

We offer mediation to all, regardless of age, race, nationality, sexuality, mobility, faith, and other factors. For those, whose first language is other than English, interpreter services can be provided.

Mediation Across England and Local to You

Based on the experience gained during the Covid period and client feedback we continue to deliver mediation online.   

For some cases face to face delivery is needed. The team at the time of booking and then the mediator, during the delivery of your case will advise on the options available and the best approach for your case.  Our online mediation means we are open to everyone who needs our support in England and Wales, we also have locations across the East of England, including:

  • Norfolk: Norwich, Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth
  • Cambridge: Cambridge, Peterborough
  • Suffolk: Lowestoft, Beccles, Leiston, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswitch 
  • Bedfordshire: Bedford
  • Essex: Harlow, Chelmsford, Colchester

Further Information

Download our leaflet 

Mediation FAQs

Cost of Mediation

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Calculator 

We have a range of blogs that may also be of help, these blogs cover issues such as alienation, conflict, cohesive controle, narcissism and the mediation process.

How To Book

We have three ways they you can make contact with the Trust quickly and confidentially, they are:

  • Call us on one of the numbers below during office hours: 
    •  01603 620588
    •  01223 576308
    •  01733 860376
  • Book a MIAM online, simply compleat this form and we will be able to strat the booking process. 

BOOK A MIAM

  • If you are making a referral on behalf of someone else please complete the referral form and we will contact them within the same day or next working day.

REFERRAL FORM


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