What Happens in Mediation?
Finding a way forward together
Structured support to explore your options, make practical arrangements and reach workable proposals.
Family mediation gives you a structured, supported process for discussing arrangements, understanding your options and working towards practical proposals.
With the help of an impartial mediator, you can talk through important issues in a calm and constructive setting, including children, finances, property and future communication.
The focus is on helping everyone be heard, identify shared priorities and develop arrangements that are realistic, fair and suited to your family’s circumstances.
How Mediation Works
You contact us by filling out our referral page online or by calling us
You have an initial assessment meeting - which is an individual meeting
The other person is also invited to attend an individual meeting
You attend your joint mediation meetings
The conclusion - any agreed proposals are written up for you
A MIAM is usually required before applying to the family court, unless an exemption applies.
We can explain your options and whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances.
The simple steps explained
Here is what to expect when you contact Kent Family Mediation Service. We will guide you through each stage, from your initial enquiry and individual assessment meeting to joint mediation and recording any agreed proposals you reach.
STEP 1
You contact us:
- You can make a referral by clicking the button below. It is a simple form that should take you no more than two minutes to complete.
- Or you contact us by phone on 01795 410457 Option 1
STEP 2
Kent Family Mediation Service will contact you:
Our friendly staff will talk to you about your situation and let you know about the next steps.
- Your MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting) can be arranged once payment has been received.
- If you are assessed as being eligible to claim for Legal Aid, the MIAM and all mediation sessions will be free to you and your fee for the MIAM will be refunded.
STEP 3
We will contact the other person once we have arranged your MIAM:
They will also be given the opportunity to attend a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting), we will notify you to let you know if they wish to engage.
STEP 4
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
All mediation clients are individually screened for domestic abuse.
- We will discuss your situation with you and assess whether your case is suitable for family mediation.
- If you both wish to proceed to mediation and your case is suitable your first mediation joint meeting can then be arranged.
- you will both will be required to sign an Agreement to Mediate before you attend your first joint mediation meeting.
If you think you may be eligible for Legal Aid:
We assess each person based on the evidence required by the Legal Aid Agency.
You will need to provide documents that are relevant to your financial circumstances, such as proof of your income
Eligibility will be discussed during your MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting).
If one person is found to be eligible for Legal Aid, you will both be entitled to a free MIAM and the first joint mediation meeting will also be free to both of you.
STEP 5
Joint Mediation Meeting (up to 1.5 - 2 hours)
Discussions take place between your Family Mediator and both of you
- Your aims and ideas are explored
- Consideration is given to the different options available to you
- Mediation meetings continue until a proposal has been reached that is acceptable to both of you.
- The number of meetings may vary depending on the complexity of your case.
STEP 6
Agreements made in family mediation:
Property & Finance
An Open Financial Statement and a privileged Memorandum of Understanding will be drawn up by the mediator using the decisions made during your mediation meetings.
- You may wish to show these documents to your Solicitor, so that you can seek independent legal advice.
- You can then apply for a Consent Order and have this endorsed by the Family Court, which will make it legally binding.
Children
- A Statement of Outcome will be provided, which will reflect the agreements that have been agreed by both parents and may involve both long term and short-term parenting plans.
- A Parenting Plan if you require a more comprehensive document.
Property & Finance & Child Issues (All Issues Mediation)
You will be provided with a Memorandum of Understanding that also contains decisions made about your children. Please let your mediator know If you also require a comprehensive Parenting Plan.
Supportive guidance when you need it most
Ready to take the first step?
To refer to our service please use the referral page, or telephone our office between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday on 01795 410457 Option 1.
Many people have successfully resolved their separation, divorce, or family legal dispute using Kent Family Mediation Service.