What is Family Mediation?
A better way forward
Resolve family matters without a court battle
Separation and divorce can be difficult, but resolving matters does not have to mean a costly, drawn-out court process.
Family mediation provides a private, structured setting to make practical decisions together, with support from an accredited mediator.
Often quicker and less costly than court
Mediation can help you reach decisions without the delay and expense of lengthy legal proceedings.
Decisions stay with you
You work together to find arrangements that suit your family, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
Support with the issues that matter
Discuss child arrangements, finances, property and shared debts in one constructive process.
Private, voluntary and confidential
Nothing is imposed on you. You remain in control and only make agreements you are prepared to accept.
Guided by an impartial professional
An accredited mediator helps keep discussions calm, focused and fair.
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.
What can family mediation help with?
Mediation can help you make practical arrangements for your family after separation. Every situation is different, and your mediator will help you focus on the matters that need to be resolved.
Make arrangements for your children
Agree where your children will live, how they will spend time with each parent, and arrangements for school holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.
Help maintain family contact
Explore arrangements that help grandparents and other extended family members stay in touch with children after separation.
Sort out finances and property
Discuss how to deal with savings, property, pensions, business assets and joint debts, whether you were married, in a civil partnership or living together.
Attend a MIAM
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is an initial confidential appointment. It is usually required before applying to the family court for an order, unless an exemption applies.
Not sure whether mediation is right for you? A MIAM gives you the opportunity to discuss your circumstances and understand your options.
Funding your Mediation
If you are on a lower income, receive certain benefits or have limited savings, you may be eligible for Legal Aid to cover the cost of family mediation.
We can check whether you may qualify and explain what funding is available during your initial assessment.
You do not need to work out eligibility on your own — we can help you.
If you qualify, Legal Aid can cover:
- Your individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
- All joint mediation sessions
- A written summary of the agreements reached at the end of mediation
Legal Aid Can Help Both Parties
If you qualify for Legal Aid, your former partner can receive their MIAM and first joint mediation session free of charge, even if they are paying privately for mediation.
Supportive guidance when you need it most
Ready to find a way forward?
You don’t need to go through a long legal process to settle your arrangements.
Contact our accredited team today to book your initial MIAM and see how practical family mediation can be.