Family Mediation

Not all relationships work out. When relationships end in separation and divorce and couples go their separate ways family mediation can help you communicate and reach agreements on the practical matters.

Family Mediation

Reaching an agreement on practicalities regarding money and children whilst going through a separation can be extremely difficult, and even if your relationship is still amicable these conversations can feel so complicated and overwhelming they can end in arguments and disagreements.

Our family mediator will help you and your ex-partner to reach agreements about children, dividing property, finances and other assets.

Family mediation is quicker and costs significantly less than expensive and lengthy court litigation.

Contact Relate Mid & East Surrey

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What to expect at Mediation

The first meeting, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is an introductory meeting and each persons attend their own MIAM separately to talk through the issues they wish to resolve.

The purpose of the MIAM is to explain how mediation works and how it can help you focus on future plans, to understand how mediation is different to court and other non court disputes resolution (NCDR) processes, as well as to check if mediation is suitable for you and your circumstances. Following this meeting you can decide if mediation is right for you. It is mandatory to attend a MIAM before you can take a case to court.

Couples then usually attend 2–4 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes.

Mediation requires both you and your partner to attend these sessions. You’ll both be able to talk in a safe environment and deal with the practicalities of separation.

Our mediators can offer you a shuttle mediation service if you are uncomfortable being in the same room as your partner. Your mediator can see children separately to get their views and make sure their wishes are considered in the final agreement.

At the end of your sessions, when an acceptable conclusion is reached, the mediator will give you a document, known as a memorandum of understanding, that clearly sets out what you have agreed. This document can then be drafted into a child arrangements order, consent order or a deed of separation, and made legally binding through solicitors.

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

The Family mediation voucher Scheme is available to ALL parents in mediation for child arrangements and offers £500 per case/family towards the cost of joint meetings.

The scheme aims to encourage separating families with children to resolve their disputes outside of court. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Justice and is available through accredited Family Mediation services only. These vouchers are available via Relate Mid and East Surrey.

How do I know if I am eligible for a mediation voucher?

On attendance at a MIAM, a trained mediator will assess the issues which you seek to resolve to see if they are suitable for mediation and meet the eligibility requirements for the voucher scheme.

The ONLY eligibility criteria is that parents are discussing child arrangements as part of their mediation. The mediator will apply on your behalf and will require a signed consent form from each parent.