MEDIATION FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

The most commonly FAQ explained. Read on to find out more.

Our FAQ Find out About Free Family Mediation

Mediation FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a neutral place for separating or divorcing parents to discuss the obstacles which still hold them together. Most commonly these are children, money and property. Mediation is not a relationship counselling service, but a way for former partners to amicably divide their assets and children’s access without needing to involve the time and expense of courts and judges who may not fully understand the situation.

How Do I Access Free Family Mediation?

Mediation is self-referred. You do not need to be advised or told you must mediate. It is entirely voluntary should you want to participate at any time.

To discuss your mediation you simply need to call us. We offer pre-mediation advice over the phone which will will help you decide if mediation is suitable for you.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Solicitor With Me During Mediation? Legal Advice is always useful when participating in mediation but you do not need a solicitor to represent you in the process.
What are the Benefits of using Free Family Mediation? Mediation can help you to restore/retain relationships with your ex and can encourage a more positive co-parenting relationship if you have children. Mediation is much faster as well as less expensive than the court process, monetarily and also mentally, and allows you to remain in control of the decisions influencing your future.
What Does A Mediator Do? Family mediation helps when disputes with an ex-partner need to be resolved in relation to problems associated with your family this can be child related or financial or both. Our neutral family mediators help with conversations between you and your ex-partner around these problems and helps you to get a mutually acceptable result.
What is a MIAM? A MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is a preliminary session with a trained family mediator. The purpose of a MIAM is to provide you with information about the mediation process and to assess whether mediation is a suitable method for resolving your family law dispute. During this meeting, the...
Can My Child's Point of View Be Heard? Yes, with parents permission, a child can participate in mediation with a child inclusive mediation specialist. The mediator will speak with your child as part of the process, depending on the age of your child/children and also the circumstances of your situation. All parties to the process need to be in agreement.
How Long Does Mediation Take? This depends significantly on the number of sessions needed as well as the time between sessions. The initial stage and afterwards 2 or 3 meetings lasting between 60-90 minutes. Our team offer the ability to work flexibly with you to accomplish the requirements of your situation.
Will I Qualify for Legal Aid? At your first Meditation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) the mediator will explain in depth what issues require meditation services and what Free Family Mediation Services you may be eligible for. Legal aid for mediation is available if you qualify and the accredited mediator will be able to discuss this with you.

How Can I Access Legal Aid?

Accessing legal aid in the UK involves several steps to ensure you receive the necessary support for your legal issues. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Determine Eligibility: Legal aid is available for various case types, including family law disputes, housing issues, and more. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you cannot afford legal costs and that your case is serious. Eligibility is assessed based on your income, capital, and benefits. Certain cases, such as those involving domestic abuse or child abduction, are prioritised.

2. Speak to our team: Our accredited mediation professionals will help you understand your options and guide you through the application process.

3. Attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting): For family law disputes, you may need to attend a MIAM to explore whether mediation is suitable for your case. The cost of a MIAM is generally lower than court fees, and legal aid can cover this cost if you qualify.

4. Provide Necessary Information: Your mediator will help you gather and submit the required documentation, such as proof of income, benefits, and details about your legal issue. This information is crucial for assessing your eligibility for legal aid.

5. Submit the Application: Your legal mediator will apply for legal aid on your behalf. If approved, the government will pay their costs directly, ensuring you receive the legal support you need without financial burden.

6. Understand the Costs: While legal aid can cover many costs, you may still need to contribute financially, depending on your circumstances. Your legal adviser will explain any potential costs and how they will be managed.

What is Legal Aided Meditation?

Legally aided meditation is a service provided by the government, and it covers the cost of acquiring an expert meditation service. The assistance applies mainly to families involved in disputes.

Legal Aid requires individuals involved in the conflict to provide evidence of their present financial circumstances. The presentation of proof allows you to qualify for Legal Aided Meditation.

Upon eligibility, legal aid covers all your meditation costs along with Meditation information and assessment meetings (MIAM) which are initial meditation meetings. The legal aid fee also caters for the other individual MIAM meeting if they are not eligible.

Is there evidence required?

For an individual to be eligible for Legal Aid, there has to be a proof of evidence of your current financial circumstance. You are required to provide the following during your first Meditation Information and assessment meetings. Your mediator will be able to guide you the application process and the documents required.

Your Mediation Options FAQ

Online Mediation – If you can simply not get a family member of yours to have a proper and civil conversation with you to sort out the issues then this kind of mediation service would be called for. The solution offers a platform for family members to resolve their differences in their own time and at their own pace. The family mediator simply acts as a catalyst to spark the communication between the two parties having a dispute and to share the advantages of mediation, working through your different options. The aim of your first meeting in mediation and your MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is to work through thee the whole process and understand how our expert advice can help.
Shuttle Mediation – There are different types of mediation to help you find solutions to your family disputes. When the situation has escalated following a relationship breakdown and you are unable to face your ex partner due to hostility or there is a history or domestic abuse we offer shuttle mediation as the best way to being the process of mediation. You will be in separate rooms for your mediation sessions so you are able to speak to your mediator separately and they will go between the online rooms to work through solutions with you needing to see each other. In the majority of cases in these separate meeting you will still be able to reach a settlement agreement.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme – The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to families navigating the challenges of separation or divorce. This program aims to make mediation services more accessible and affordable for eligible individuals facing disputes regarding children and finances. By offering vouchers that cover part or all of the costs associated with mediation, the scheme helps reduce the financial burden on families while promoting a less adversarial approach to conflict resolution.
Legal Aid –Legal Aid in the UK is a government-funded program designed to ensure access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Eligibility for Legal Aid is determined based on factors such as income, assets, and the nature of the legal issue, with priority given to cases involving significant need, such as domestic violence or discrimination. Once deemed eligible, individuals receive free or subsidised legal advice, representation, and assistance from solicitors, barristers, or legal aid agencies. While the extent of coverage varies, Legal Aid may cover the entire cost of mediation or require individuals to contribute a small amount depending on their financial circumstances.
Why Mediation? - Mediation is a vital form of dispute resolution, particularly in family law, where it aims to resolve conflicts amicably and efficiently. The process often involves a fixed fee, making it more affordable and predictable in terms of legal costs. Mediation providers adhere to a strict code of conduct to ensure fairness and good faith throughout the process. During separation mediation, especially in cases involving civil partnerships, the mediator helps the parties reach a consent order, which is a legally binding contract. This can be more cost-effective and quicker than navigating the court system and filling out numerous court forms. The Family Mediation Council oversees the standards and practices of mediation, ensuring that even those with low income can access these services. A family law solicitor can assist in drafting the necessary financial order and other legal documents. The aim of mediation is to achieve a resolution of the dispute that considers the complexity of the issues involved, whether through facilitative mediation or other methods. It's often the best time to address these matters early on, avoiding a long time in the legal process. In the first instance, mediation can provide a practical and less adversarial alternative to court proceedings, offering a good reason to consider it as a primary option.
Child Focused - We offer child inclusive mediation services should you wish to involve your child in the conversation around child access and parenting plans . Speak to our experts today.