Mediation helps you resolve family conflicts
All families at some time experience difficulties and arguments, which might lead to stress and breakdown in relationships. The reasons for family disputes are varied and can be almost anything. Some common issues are: inability to communicate, lack of trust, lifestyle differences, child/teenager’s behaviour, children’s education and welfare, parenting differences, contact with children and financial matters.
Family disputes include conflict between people who are related in some way, who are currently part of a family or have been in the past. For example, between couples, parents and children or between siblings; between grandparents and their children’s families or step-families; or between separating/divorcing couples.
Family mediation in separations and divorces
Separating or divorcing can be a stressful process and a time of crisis. Mediation can asssit separating/divorcing couples by helping them explore their new future, assess the reality of their projections and realise what they need to do to make it less stressful for all.
Mediation is less costly, both in financial terms, as formal legal disputes may take considerably longer and therefore impose higher financial costs; and in emotional/psychological terms, as the impact of a protracted legal dispute can be more challenging and unhealthy for all involved.
Family mediation assists family members to manage or resolve conflict and work out agreed arrangements – Lisa Parkinson
Structure of mediation
Documents in mediation
Several documents might be drawn up during a family mediation process:
- If property and financial issues are in dispute (for example during couples’ separation/divorce) an “Open Financial Statement” might be produced when the financial disclosure is complete.
- A “Memorandum of Understanding” can be produced at the end of the process, which is a statement of everything that has been jointly proposed during mediation. The participants might have taken legal advice before the proposals are drafted, but the Memorandum of Understanding is not legally binding. The Memorandum will also state any issues on which you have not been able to agree and which may require further negotiations by your solicitor or perhaps a decision by the Courts. However, the Memorandum will not refer to the way either of you responded during mediation.
- A “Parenting Plan” can be produced in cases of involving children issues. . Major decisions affecting the children are likely to be: where they will live; what arrangements will be made for them to spend time with each parent and other relatives; special provisions, if any, which might need to be made about such matters as education, religion and health; the level of financial support required to meet their needs; and how can they be appropriately consulted. The focus is on the children’s needs.
- A “Statement of Outcome” or an “Agreement” recording your agreements can be produced at the end of the mediation process
Costs
- Individual meeting (MIAM, 1h) – £95
- Joint meeting (1.5-2h)- £160/person
- Drafting of documents – £240/document
- Session with children – £95/h
- Willingness test – £50
Cancellation policy
- Cancellation of a Miam meeting incurs a £50 fee
- Cancellation of a Joint meeting incurs a £100 fee
- Exceptions for emergency cases can be discussed
