This week (22 to 26 January 2024) is Family Mediation Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of family mediation and of the benefits it can bring to separating families.

Family mediation can be a simple and cost-effective way of resolving family matters outside court. It is a voluntary process where an impartial third person (the  mediator) can assist both you and your ex-partner to resolve your differences in order to reach a mutual agreement about a family issue and help build a positive future for your family.

Mediation is suitable for disputes about children and disputes about finances, but never at the same time.

There has been a requirement for a few years that anyone wanting to apply to the court about a family issue (be it financial arrangements after separation or arrangements for children) attends a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This initial meeting with a mediator allows you to find out more about how mediation works and to check if it would be suitable in your circumstances.  There are a number of things to think about before deciding if mediation is the right process for you, as it isn’t suitable for everyone.

If you are thinking about mediation, you should still instruct a solicitor. TV Edwards has a team of expert family lawyers happy to assist.

Your solicitor can help you decide if mediation is suitable for you, recommend an appropriate mediator and give you advice in the background as mediation takes place. Knowing your legal rights and what a court is likely to decide can help you to negotiate effectively with your ex-partner during mediation.

If mediation is successful, your solicitor can assist in drawing up the terms of the agreement reached to make it binding. An agreement reached on matrimonial finances, for example, will need to be approved by the court. The family department at TV Edwards offers a highly personalised service and can guide you through the process of mediation. 

Disclaimer: The information on the TV Edwards website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication.