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What is family mediation
43% of marriages in the UK end in divorce so it’s important to recognise the changing landscape of divorce. One such change is the trend around Mediation, also known as ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). The primary goal of mediation is to make divorce proceedings more efficient, reduce conflict, and to support couples in finding long term solutions.
Family mediators are trained to work with people in situations where the relationship or marriage has broken down. Our team come from professional backgrounds including law, psychology and various therapy-related professions, and are highly skilled at navigating these types of high-conflict situations. Unlike the court system, you stay in control at every step of the journey.
How does family mediation work
At ark mediation, your mediation journey follows four key stages:
1. The Initial meeting, and a requirement by the courts, is known as a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
2. Mediation Sessions, offered in various formats to suit your needs e.g. shuttle mediation in high-conflict situations, child inclusive mediation where kids are involved, and other formats
3. Outcome, resulting in documents drafted by your mediator to confirm what you agree upon. These can be made legally binding
4. Post-mediation six month check in with your mediator to see how things are going
What are the benefits of family mediation
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Take control and have more say on the outcome you desire. Unlike the legal route, where a court judge will enforce decisions upon you, mediation can help empower you to take the right decisions
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Mediators can often eliminate the conflict between you and your partner by providing pragmatic and impartial guidance. This is especially important where children are concerned and can help both sets of parents keep a level head
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Unlike the legal court system where decisions can be binding, mediation offers flexibility where agreements can be adapted based on your changing circumstances, for example as your children get older and have different needs
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Mediation can be quicker, significantly more cost effective and offers a better route to resolving disagreements compared to long drawn-out court battles
Read our blog article here for more helpful information and advice, or contact us now for a free consultation.
How long does family mediation take
The length of family mediation depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement. On average, most cases are resolved within 2 to 4 sessions, with each session lasting around 60 to 90 minutes. Simpler cases, such as basic child arrangements, may be settled in just one or two sessions, while more complex financial disputes can take several sessions. Compared to court proceedings, mediation is significantly faster, often concluding within a few weeks to a couple of months, rather than months or years in court.
Start Your Mediation Journey Today
If you are going through a divorce, separation, family asset dispute or need support on aspects of child arrangements, call our team today.
Call us on 0330 043 6360
Use our 1-minute 'Do I Need A MIAM?' questionnaire to find out if you need an initial mediation meeting
Family Mediation FAQs
How does family mediation work? Family mediation has three main stages. 1. Initial Meeting, also known as a MIAM where each party meets the mediator separately to assess suitability; 2. Joint Mediation Sessions, when both parties discuss their issues with the mediator's guidance; 3. Agreement Drafting, takes place when agreements are reach. This summary document outlines the agreed terms and can be made into a legally binding document through a solicitor
Do I have to attend family mediation? Mediation is voluntary, but in most cases, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court for child or financial disputes, unless an exemption applies (e.g., domestic abuse)
Is mediation legally binding? No, mediation agreements are not legally binding. However, once both parties agree, a solicitor can draft a Consent Order, which the court can approve to make it legally binding. Ark Mediation offer a full service package solution where we can facilitate drafting of legal documents
What issues can be discussed in family mediation? Mediation covers various family issues, including: 1. Child arrangements (custody, visitation, schooling, holidays) 2. Financial settlements (division of property, assets, pensions) 3. Spousal or child maintenance 4. Communication strategies for co-parenting 5. Any other family disputes related to separation or divorce
How long does mediation take? It depends on the complexity of the case. Simple cases may take 1-2 sessions, while more complex disputes (e.g., financial settlements) can require 3-5 sessions or more
What happens if we can’t reach an agreement? If mediation fails, the mediator will issue a ‘mediator’s certificate’ (FM1 form), allowing either party to apply to court. However, courts often prefer parties to have attempted mediation before legal proceedings
Can I bring my solicitor to mediation? Typically, mediation is conducted without solicitors present, however Ark Mediation offer an advanced model called Hybrid Mediation where clients can attend with their legal representative. This allows for real time legal advice and faster decision making
How much does family mediation cost? Costs vary based on your particularcircumstances but typically, your initial meeting (MIAM) and any subsequent joint mediation sessions start from £130 per person. Our end-to-end packages including mediation and formalising your agreement through a solicitor start at £799
What if my ex-partner refuses mediation? Mediation is voluntary, and if your ex refuses to attend, you can still proceed with a court application. The mediator will issue a form confirming the attempt to mediate
Can mediation help with high-conflict situations? Yes, mediators are trained to manage conflict and ensure a safe discussion environment. In shuttle mediation, parties are in separate rooms, and the mediator moves between them to facilitate negotiation
What are the benefits of mediation over court? 1. Faster & cheaper than court 2. Less adversarial – encourages cooperation 3. More control – parties make decisions, not a judge 4. Confidential – discussions remain private 5. Better for children – encourages positive co-parenting