Book a Free Consultation or Call us now 0330 043 6360
honest conversations through mediation
FAQ's
What is Ark Mediation? Ark Mediation is a UK-based family mediation service that helps couples and families resolve disputes related to divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements. We have been operating since 2019 and have helped over 800 people and families resolve their disputes. Our approach is centred on taking a more holistic view of your situation and we seek to empower you and the other party to stay in full control of the dispute resolution process.
Why should I choose mediation over going to court? Mediation is generally less costly, less stressful, and faster than going through the court system. It offers a more cooperative way to resolve conflicts. In our experience, we see a number clients return to us, sometimes a few years after their divorce seeking help on evolving situations that need the support of a neutral third party mediator. We strongly believe in the principles of mediation and we believe it is a highly effective way to keep a direct and open line of communication with the other party during the whole process, which is something the court route lacks.
What types of mediation services do you offer? Ark Mediation provides various services, including MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), child-inclusive mediation, and the issuing of documentation for divorce. We also provide general dispute resolution services aside from matters directly related to divorce and separation. If you have already been divorced and need ongoing support on issues such as evolving child arrangements, mediation is an incredibly effective pathway to modify existing agreements with all parties affected.
What is a MIAM, and do I need one? A MIAM is a meeting to assess if mediation is suitable for your situation. You may need it to qualify for mediation before going to court. Check if you need a MIAM by using our free questionnaire. At the end of a MIAM, your mediator will let you know if they feel mediation is suitable in your case. If you are able to proceed, your mediator will work with you to schedule follow on mediation sessions and will make contact with the other party to invite them for their initial session.
What is child-inclusive mediation? Child-inclusive mediation allows children to express their views through a mediator, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting them. We recommend this type of mediation be carried out by an experienced mediator. It is crucial for a successful outcome that the mediator is able to make your child feel safe and confident they can express themselves freely. We often find children fear openness in these sessions out of fear of upsetting one of the parents involved and so our mediators work hard to make the child feel safe they can speak in confidence to our team. Ultimately, our priority in these types of cases is the child, and we take extra care to ensure the outcome is a positive one for them.
Do you offer online mediation sessions? Yes, Ark Mediation provides both face-to-face and virtual mediation services. Please contact us to find out if we can facilitate a face-to-face mediation session in your local area should you require this.
What is the Mediation Voucher Scheme? The family mediation voucher scheme was launched during the pandemic to help ease demand on the family courts. The aim is to incentivise families to resolve child arrangement disputes outside of court through mediation, where safe to do so. The intention is to support families in reaching faster agreements in a less adversarial form of dispute resolution than through in court. This scheme offers a £500 voucher to help cover the cost of mediation. Contact Ark Mediation to learn if you qualify.
How do I book a MIAM or mediation session? You can book a session by calling 0330 043 6360 or using the contact form on Ark Mediation’s website. As part of your initial enquiry, you will receive a free 10-minute consultation so the mediator can make a brief assessment of whether mediation is a suitable route in your situation. This is a no obligation consultation.
How long does a typical mediation session last? Sessions vary depending on the complexity of the case, but most last between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
Can I bring my lawyer or solicitor to a mediation session? Yes, you may bring a lawyer if you wish, but it is not necessary.
How many sessions are typically needed to resolve a case? The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the case. Some issues are resolved in one session, while others may require multiple sessions. In our experience, we see clients on average 4 to 5 times for a full mediation programme, however we can sometimes extend to 7 sessions when it is highly complex, for example where child arrangements are involved.
What should I prepare for a mediation session? Bring any relevant documents, be open to discussion, and be willing to negotiate solutions. During the initial stages, for example at a MIAM, this is more an exploratory discussion. However, should your case proceed to full mediation involving aspects of financial settlement and disclosure then we encourage you to prepare ahead of those sessions with information you feel would be relevant. This will ultimately make you mediation journey more efficient and result in a quicker resolution. Your mediator will advise you prior to each session with what information and documentation you should prepare.
Is mediation legally binding? It is important to remember that mediation is a voluntary journey. Agreements reached in mediation can be made legally binding through a court order if both parties agree. Your mediator will prepare documentation to be finalised once you have reached agreement.
What is shuttle mediation? In shuttle mediation, parties are in separate rooms, and the mediator moves between them, which can be helpful in high-conflict cases.
What is hybrid mediation? Hybrid mediation in the context of family mediation is a flexible approach that combines elements of both traditional mediation and legal representation to help resolve family disputes, especially in high-conflict or complex cases. In hybrid mediation, each party has the option to have their legal representatives involved in the mediation process, either directly in sessions or consulted separately as needed.
Do both parties need to agree to mediate? Family mediation is a voluntary process that requires agreement of both parties. When you make initial contact and complete a MIAM, your mediator will make contact with the other party and invite them to mediation. Mediation as a pathway is then dependent on the other party agreeing. In cases where the other party does not agree, then the legal court process is the next course of action.
How much does family mediation cost? Costs vary based on the type of mediation service. Visit the Fees section on the Ark Mediation website for detailed pricing information. However, it is important to note that mediation is far more cost-effective than the traditional court route.
What happens if mediation doesn’t work? If mediation is unsuccessful, you may still proceed to court, and your mediator can provide necessary documentation for this process.
Are mediation sessions confidential? Yes, mediation is a confidential process, and discussions cannot be used as evidence in court. The only time when mediation information must be disclosed to other parties is when there is reported abuse or safeguarding concerns. This is the responsibility of your mediator to notify.
How do I know if mediation is right for me? Use the “Do I Need a MIAM?” questionnaire on Ark Mediation’s website or contact them directly for guidance.