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.

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.

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, prepare you for what to expect and advise you on what you are likely to achieve based on your requirements and current relationship with your former partner.

While mediation sessions are ongoing, our team can also help you to explore and consider your options in view of your own priorities, as well as your present and future needs.

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.

It is important to note any agreements reached during mediation will not be automatically legally binding. This means that they cannot be relied on if there are any disagreements further down the line.

However, you will have the option of making your mediation agreement legally binding by applying to court to turn them into a legally binding consent order. This is something our family mediation lawyers can help with.

Our team will carefully review any agreements you have made on your behalf, ensuring that they are fair and right for you, before you make such agreements legally binding.

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, 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 may help you and your former partner to reach an agreement. The other person involved in mediation will be expected to attend a meeting too, but they do not have to go to the same meeting as you.

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 the fact that 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.

Both parties sign an agreement that commits both parties to resolving any issues collaboratively. For example, any solicitors involved in the process will not be able to represent their clients if the case has to go to court.

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.

Family Mediation Council (FMC) indicate that FMC Registered Mediators charge an average of £140 per person per hour for mediations sessions and drafting documentation. This cost will vary depending on where the mediator is located and the types of issues that need to be discussed.

Further to this, if you are on a low income, you may be able to get legal aid to help pay for mediation sessions.

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 one to two hours each.

That said, mediation can also be concluded in one session, after a number of weeks, or a number of months depending on your requirements.

Who chooses a family mediator?

The choice of a family mediator will often be a joint decision. However, if you are not able to come to an agreement, you can ask an independent third party to help you.

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.