If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation can help you sort out disputes – without involving big legal fees or going through court.
Mediation is not about trying to get you back together. It’s about helping you to make arrangements after you’ve decided to separate.
It can also help when you’ve already separated and need to sort something out.
You and your partner (or ex-partner) explain your concerns and views to each other in the presence of a family mediator who helps you both to reach an agreement
Legal aid may be available to pay for mediation.
Family mediators are trained to work with people whose relationships have broken down. They come from professional backgrounds, such as law and healthcare
Mediators will find solutions that both of you can agree on. A mediator will ask you questions to understand your situation and, unlike going to court, you stay in control. No-one can make you do anything against your wishes. Discussions are confidential.
Children have the right to a relationship with both parents (as long as it is safe) and their needs are most important. Some mediators are trained to include children in discussions but only if both you, your partner and the child agree.
Contact Mediation Milton Keynes as soon as you and your partner have decided to split up and need help sorting out arrangements – the sooner the better, before the issues become big problems. You don’t need to see a solicitor first
Even if you have been separated for a while or if your case has already gone to court, mediation can help to resolve any dispute you may have
The first step is to attend a meeting with the mediator so you can find out more about mediation and if it’s right for you. This is called a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) . You can go with your partner, or you can see the mediator separately if you prefer
If you agree to try mediation, you will need to attend mediation sessions (usually 1-2 hours each). The length and number of sessions will depend on your situation
When an agreement is reached, the mediator will write it down in a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ so that everyone is clear about what has been decided.
You can ask the court to make the agreement legally binding if both you and your partner agree.
This is sometimes useful if arrangements are meant to run over a period of time, such as child maintenance payments, or when people are concerned that their (ex-) partner will not stick to the agreement.
Some people going through mediation find it helpful to have legal support to advise them. Legal aid may be available for this.
If the situation changes and the arrangements aren’t working, you can go back to the mediator. If needed, you can agree to change the Memorandum of Understanding
No. The ‘MIAM’ is for discussing whether mediation will work for you both. If mediation isn’t right there may be other options that will still avoid you having to go to court, for example collaborative law or solicitor negotiation. Visit www.sortingoutseparation.org.uk for more information.
Cases involving domestic violence or child abuse are not usually right for mediation and you will not need to go to a MIAM. If you have evidence of domestic violence or child abuse you may qualify for legal aid to pay for a solicitor to help you bring your case to court.
Please visit our costs page.
Legal Aid – See if you are eligible for financial help. Use the online Legal Aid Checker at www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid or call the Civil Legal Advice service on 0845 345 4 345, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 8.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.30pm. Calls cost 4p per minute from a BT landline, mobiles usually cost more
Specialist Child Inclusive Family Mediators – Louise Carrington-Dye is registered with the Family Mediation Council
Mediation for Families and Mediation Milton Keynes (MMK), is a joint trading company of Integrum Training & Consultancy Ltd
Registered in England and Wales – Company No.15106528) and SPECTRUM INC. Ltd -Registered in England and Wales – Company No.9594485 – Charity No:1184920
