Family Mediation FAQs

Research has shown children want their voice to be heard about arrangements that will affect them. If they are 10 years or above they can talk with a mediator in confidence and separately from you. It gives them the opportunity to share any thoughts and concerns about what's happening. They can choose what, if anything, is reported back to parents.

Divorce and separation can mean a lot of change and adjustment for children. Family Mediation aims to ensure children's needs are central to decisions being made to reduce any impact this may have on them.

We can look at any financial matters such as Property, Pensions, Investments, Debt or Maintenance. All mediated settlements can be turned into legally binding agreements. We can help you explore the different options within a legal framework. When a way forward has been found the mediator will put the joint proposals in writing. This gives you the chance to check everything through with a legal or financial advisor. You can then proceed with this as a contractual agreement between you or you can ask the court to approve your settlement.

We can explain this in more detail and answer any further questions at your individual Information and Assessment Meeting.

You will be in control of the process as it is your mediation. The length of time to reach agreement will depend on the complexity of your case. Each meeting lasts between 1 and 2 hours. On average two or three meetings will be needed but some issues can be sorted out in a single session.

Mediation will be faster than any court process and allows you to have your say in how future arrangements will look. It helps you find a solution that is both fair and amicable.

As much as couples hope for an easy going and co-operative relationship following a break-up, this is not always possible. Mediators are trained to ensure couples are able to communicate and engage fully and fairly and to feel safe throughout the process. Mediation won't be appropriate in all situations and this will be assessed at the Information Assessment Meeting. Mediation is successful even where relationships are difficult and fraught as mediators are qualified to facilitate through complex dynamics.

Come along to an Information and Assessment meeting to ask any questions you may have. You can discuss your case individually with a trained Mediator, and consider the options available to you.