At Bellwether Solicitors, we know how hard separation can be for a couple, affecting the whole family. While it is an emotional and stressful time, Non-Court Dispute Resolutions like professional family mediation can help. This vital service assists you to reach a pragmatic agreement regarding aspects like finances and child arrangements in a constructive manner.
Here is why choosing family mediation is a smart choice.
What are family mediation services about?
Family mediation is a fully confidential service to help resolve problems like child arrangements or finances after a relationship breaks down. It is sometimes conducted as part of the initial separation or divorce process. Sessions can also be used to amend pre-existing arrangements as children get older.
Most people who use mediation services do so to avoid the involvement of the court system when making important decisions about the future of family arrangements. It is a voluntary service, but it is encouraged before court intervention to resolve disputes.
Who conducts couple mediation sessions?
Sessions are always conducted by an impartial and experienced family mediator with specialist training in this area. They will talk to you about what you would like to achieve from the sessions and ensure discussions are constructive while considering the needs of the family as a whole.
Good mediators will be registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC), which means they work to national codes of conduct.
What are the benefits of family mediation?
Family mediation can be less stressful than having to experience court proceedings. Couples remain in control of the process, so it is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get the right answers for your family.
Family mediation covers any area you need help with like arrangements for property, money and children. Sessions may also look at non-legal matters like differences in parenting styles.
You do not have to be married to access this type of mediation, and sessions are tailored to your individual needs, including their length and whether you would prefer online or face-to-face meetings.
What is a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) are compulsory for anyone trying to take a family matter to court (unless there are special circumstances like domestic abuse). The court will need to see you have attended MIAMs (via a MIAM certificate) before starting official proceedings, encouraging you to find agreements before this stage.
A MIAM means attending a one-to-one meeting with a mediator. They will look at whether family mediation is a more suitable route for you than going through the courts. This type of service should only be conducted by a Family Mediation Council Accredited professional.
Learn more about family mediation – contact Bellwether Solicitors today
Bellwether Solicitors can arrange family mediation for you in locations in and around Cheam and Kingston, including Chessington and Epsom.
For more information and advice, contact us.
