Family Mediation Solicitors

No matter how amicable a divorce or separation may initially be, there are often a wide range of matters which can be hard to agree on. Family mediation is an effective method for resolving these disagreements, while keeping conflict to a minimum and reducing the potential for contentious court proceedings.  As a result, mediation is often also less costly and quicker.

Clear advice to help secure the best outcome

Initiating mediation proceedings with your former partner may be a daunting prospect, especially if you are not sure how the process works or what outcome you are looking to achieve. Receiving carefully tailored advice and having a clear plan in place is therefore essential to ensure you are able to reach a beneficial outcome.

At WSP Solicitors, our expert family mediation solicitors can guide you through the mediation process from start to finish, providing comprehensive support that facilitates a safe environment for you to reach an agreement with your former partner.

Our team are members of Resolution, and are accredited specialists with the Law Society Family Law and Children Panels, reflecting our high level of expertise in handling even the most sensitive issues.

It is important to note that mediation may not be the most suitable option for every couple, which is why at the outset you will individually meet with our family mediator and have a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting).  At this initial meeting you will have the opportunity to learn more about the mediation process and explore ways to find a solution.

If you decide mediation is not for you an alternative could be Resolution Together (also referred to as One Solicitor, One Divorce), allows our solicitors to work with you and your former partner jointly, helping to prevent any unnecessary conflict during the separation process.

See our page on Resolution Together to find out whether it may be right for your circumstances.

Contact our mediation solicitors in Gloucestershire

For expert support with mediation, please contact your local WSP family law solicitors in Gloucester or Stroud today.

If you have a quick question about our family mediation services, or would like to request a callback, you can also use our simple online enquiry form.

Our family mediation services

Preparing for family law mediation

While mediation is a less formal and contentious process compared to court proceedings, there is still a strict process that needs to be followed. As such, it is important that you have as much information as possible prior to starting mediation so you know exactly what to expect.

When instructed, our mediation solicitors can provide you with all the initial information you need about the process and help you and your partner reach an agreement.

While mediation sessions are ongoing, our team can also help you and your partner to explore and consider the various options in view of your own priorities, as well as your present and future needs.  A great advantage of mediation is that you and your partner lead the discussion and reach an agreement which works for both of you rather than having a decision imposed on you by the court.

Finalising agreements made during family law mediation

After completing the mediation process, your mediator will provide a concluding document, outlining everything that has been agreed between you and your former partner.  In the case of mediation relating to children this will likely be a parenting plan.  Where you have reached a financial agreement this will be a document called a Memorandum of Understanding, which can then be turned into a Financial Consent Order and filed at court to become binding on the parties.

Agreeing alternative actions to family mediation

There may be a situation where an agreement cannot be reached following multiple sessions of family mediation. If it transpires that family mediation is not successful, or your former partner is not willing to engage in proceedings, our team can work alongside you to establish an alternative course of action.

We have expertise in other methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, which can be explored where appropriate. We can also step in to support you if it appears that taking a matter to court is the only course of action available.

Family mediation FAQs

What is family mediation?

Family mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method which focuses on helping you and your former partner work out arrangements for your finances, property and children following a divorce or separation.

Mediation is not mandatory. However, if you end up taking a case to court, you will normally need to demonstrate that you have been to a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to work out your differences.

What is a MIAM?

A MIAM is essentially an introductory meeting which explains how mediation works and how it may help you and your former partner to reach an agreement. The other person involved in mediation will be expected to attend their own separate MIAM meeting too.

How does family mediation work?

The key to mediation is the involvement of a third party, known as the mediator. The mediator is neutral and does not take sides. They are simply present to facilitate the discussions that take place during the various meetings.

Mediators will not provide any specific legal advice or express an opinion that guides either towards a certain agreement. Instead, they provide a safe environment for constructive discussions to take place and ensure both parties are able to have an equal say in the final outcome.

If both parties are able to come to an agreement, this can be used as a guide for both parties to stick to without taking any further action, or a legally binding consent order can be applied for.

What is the difference between family mediation and collaborative law?

There are some similarities between family mediation and collaborative law, as both are forms of alternative dispute resolution. The main difference between the two is that in collaborative law you and your former partner will both be represented by your own solicitors who will work to arrange the best solutions for you and your family.

Whereas in mediation the discussion is facilitated by the mediator but what is discussed, and the agreement reached is solely determined by you and your partner.

You can learn more about our expertise with collaborative law here.

How much does family mediation cost?

The cost of family mediation will vary depending on the mediator you work with and the number of sessions you need to attend before you are able to reach an agreement.

At WSP we offer a MIAM session for £100 + VAT per person.

Each mediation sessions costs £150.00 + VAT per person and lasts up to 90 minutes.

Drafting of mediation documents (for example outcomes at the end of each session, parenting plans, opens financial statements or memorandums of understanding) costs £100.00 + VAT per person.

How long does family mediation take?

The time it takes to complete mediation will depend on the number of sessions that need to take place. Typically, separating couples will be able to reach an agreement in around two to four sessions, which usually last around 90 minutes.

That said, mediation can also be concluded in one session, after a few weeks, or several months depending on your requirements.  It is a voluntary process that you both enter into, and the pace of the discussions will be determined by you.

Who chooses a family mediator?

The choice of a family mediator will often be a joint decision. Mediation is a voluntary process so in order to work you both need to be willing to enter into the process.

Speak to our family mediation solicitors in Gloucestershire

For expert support with mediation, please contact your local WSP family law solicitors in Gloucester or Stroud today.

If you have a quick question about our family mediation services, or would like to request a callback, you can also use our simple online enquiry form.