Family Mediation

Family mediation refers to a legal process used to resolve disputes between family members. Mediation can be used in all areas of family disputes, whether married, unmarried, heterosexual or same sex.

Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial third party, the mediator, directs the sessions based on an agenda which has been set by the mediating parties. Communication and discussion between parties is then facilitated to narrow the issues, with the end goal of achieving a resolution.

Mediation deals with resolving financial claims, arrangements for children, post cohabitation issues and pre-nuptial and pre-cohabitation issues. Mediation can also be used by wider family members particularly in the area of making arrangements to see grandchildren or other young relatives.

If you would like to use family mediation to resolve a dispute, it is first necessary to attend a Family Mediation and Assessment Meeting. The meeting is intended to assess whether or not a particular case is suitable for mediation.

Family mediation is intended to provide an informal process for families to resolve their disputes without needing to go to Court. The mediator meets with both parties and assists them to resolve legal matters and family disputes, using negotiation and discussion. The parties have the chance to communicate their needs and preferences, and work towards solutions that both find satisfactory.

During mediation sessions, the mediator plays an active to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to express their positions, whilst at the same time ensuring that no one dominates the process. Any areas of agreement and disagreement are highlighted, and neutral suggestions of a possible compromise are then presented.

A lot of mediating parties are not aware of potential alternatives and in many cases the input from the mediator can be key to unlocking the areas of dispute.

At all times the mediator remains impartial and never expresses an opinion or provides advice.

It is common for both parties to have the support of their own independent Solicitors, both prior to, and throughout the process.

Mediation could be useful if you are cohabitating, married, or in a civil partnership, and are going through a divorce, separation, or civil partnership dissolution. Generally, speaking, clients in these situations will need to make arrangements for their finances and children.

Mediation might also be used by grandparents, step parents, or other family members who would like to see or look after children in their family, and need to formally arrange this due to the circumstances.

It is difficult to determine exactly how much family mediation costs, because the fee tends to depend on how complex the case is, and how many mediation sessions are required.

Rest assured; we will provide an accurate cost estimate for our mediation service as early as possible.

It is important to note that, in the vast majority of cases, the cost of mediation will generally be cheaper than any court-based resolutions.

How long family mediation takes depends on the case, the complexity of the issues at hand, and how easily the parties can negotiate and work towards an agreement.

A family mediation meeting may take just one session of around one or two hours, or several sessions over a period of 6 weeks, potentially even longer depending on complexity.

Rest assured, when you work with our Family Law Solicitors, you will have all the support that you need and be well prepared for the process.

At Butcher & Barlow, we have much experience in providing this service through our experienced mediator. Please get in touch with us using the contact details below to discuss your case and how to begin the mediation process.