Family mediation offers a supportive and practical way to resolve issues following separation or divorce, helping families reach balanced agreements without the need for court proceedings.
Why Hepburn Delaney Family Mediation
Our family mediation solicitor support individuals and families in finding constructive ways to resolve disputes without the need for court proceedings. Whether you are dealing with separation, divorce , arrangements for children , or financial matters, our trained mediators guide you through the process with care and clarity.
We recognise that mediation often takes place during an emotionally challenging time, which is why we focus on clear communication, a balanced approach, and solutions that work for everyone involved.
If you are unsure whether mediation is suitable for your situation, or you need guidance on what the process involves, our team can explain your options and support you at each stage. We also provide advice on reaching practical agreements and understanding the next steps once mediation has concluded, helping you move forward with confidence and reassurance.
Our Family Mediation Services
Mediation for Family Disputes
Family disputes can be emotionally challenging and difficult to resolve without support. Our mediation service provides a neutral and structured environment where issues can be discussed openly and constructively. We help families work towards practical agreements, encouraging respectful communication and reducing the need for formal court proceedings.
Child Arrangement Mediation
When parents separate, agreeing arrangements for children can be one of the most sensitive issues to address. Our mediators support parents in reaching child-focused agreements that prioritise stability and wellbeing. The process is designed to promote cooperation and help parents make informed decisions that work for their family now and in the future.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation offers a practical alternative to resolving matters through the courts. We help couples discuss financial and practical arrangements in a calm and balanced setting, allowing both parties to explore options and reach mutually acceptable outcomes. Mediation can help reduce conflict and provide a clearer path forward during a period of change.
Financial Mediation
Financial mediation offers a structured and supportive way to resolve financial matters following separation or divorce. At Hepburn Delaney, our mediation solicitors guide couples to discuss issues such as the family home, savings, pensions, and ongoing financial responsibilities, all while ensuring the discussions remain mutually respectful and productive. The focus of financial mediation is on open communication and practical problem solving, allowing both parties to explore options and work towards fair and sustainable outcomes without the need for court proceedings.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is often the first step in the mediation process and is required before making most family court applications. During the MIAM, we explain how mediation works, assess whether it is suitable for your circumstances, and outline the options available to you. This meeting allows you to make an informed decision about the next steps.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Support
We can advise on eligibility for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which offers financial support towards the cost of mediation in cases involving children. Our team will explain how the scheme works and assist with the application process, helping to make mediation more accessible during a challenging time.
Meet your Family Mediation Solicitor
Drenne is our qualified and accredited family mediator, who will guide you through the process. Although Drenne is unable to offer legal advice during Mediation, she is a fully qualified family law Solicitor and registered with the Family Mediation Council. She will help you to reach agreements or decisions that are legally acceptable and likely to be approve by the Courts.
Drenne is qualified to undertake Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) if that is appropriate for your family.
Drenne will help you to explore your options and guide you in checking how practical your proposals are, assisting you to reach workable solutions. However, the outcome you reach is entirely under your control. The family mediation process involves the clients working together with the Mediator. It is hoped that you will reach an agreement or compromise in a way which best suits your family.
The family mediation process with Hepburn Delaney
There are three main stages (however, please note it is important to know that these stages can be flexible):
1. Information and Assessment Meeting
This meeting known as a MIAM is when the process of mediation is explained to you. It will give you an opportunity to ask any questions and will give us the opportunity to confirm that the issues are suitable for mediation. This meeting will take place with you individually and will cost:
£150 plus VAT (20%) for a face to face meeting or
£140 plus VAT (20%) for a remote meeting.
2. Mediation Sessions
At the first session you will discuss the issues you wish to mediate. You can attend jointly or separately. It can help if you have thought about the issues you wish to discuss. Bring a note of these with you to the meeting, together with details of any proposals. When appropriate, you will be invited to a meeting together. We make sure that you pay a fixed sum for our family mediation services and sessions. This way you will know the cost in advance:
£252 plus VAT (20%) per person, per session for a face to face meeting. 1 hour 30 minute session.
£228 plus VAT (20%) for a remote meeting, 1 hour 30 minute session.
The number of sessions you need will vary but can be up to 5.
3. End of Mediation
At the end of the mediation process, for an additional fee based on your requirements, you can be given a document setting out your agreed proposals and a copy of your financial disclosure (if appropriate). You may then take these to a Solicitor to put these proposals into a legally binding format such as a Consent Order.
Contact Our Family Mediation Solicitors
Fill out our enquiry form and speak to one of our Family Team and Mediation today.
Call us on 01442 218090
Send an email to info@hepburndelaney.co.uk
Family Mediation FAQ's
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a neutral way of resolving disputes which can arise before, during or after separation or divorce. The aim is to avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings.
The family mediation process helps divorcing and separating couples come to an agreement for the arrangements of their children and finances in a constructive and structured way.
Family Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process which gives each person a chance to explain their issues, plans and concerns to each other in the presence of a qualified family Mediator.
Is mediation mandatory?
It is sometimes difficult to know what is or is not required of you when it comes to Court proceedings concerning your family. A common question is “Do I have to attend mediation before going to Court?”.
In short, the answer is no, despite what you may have read in the press. Mediation is voluntary.
However, before you can issue a court application, either in respect of your children, or matrimonial financial matters, you are expected to meet with a mediator to discuss whether mediation could be a suitable alternative. This meeting is known as a MIAM.
The family court and judges are keen for parties to make some attempt to resolve disputes without the need for court intervention. For this reason, there is a chance that you could be ordered to pay court costs if you have failed to attend a MIAM. Alternatively your court application could be adjourned while you attempt mediation.
What is a MIAM?
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. In short, a MIAM is a meeting with a potential mediator who will provide you with information as to what mediation involves and how it works and the choices available to you. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether mediation would be the best option for you.
The mediator will also consider whether, taking into account your individual circumstances, mediation is appropriate. The mediator can discuss any concerns with you at the MIAM.
What is a Memorandum of Understanding?
A memorandum of understanding is a written document that records the proposals agreed during family mediation. It sets out the key points discussed and the decisions reached, helping both parties clearly understand what has been agreed. It is usually drafted at the end of a “successful” mediation session..
This document is made “Without Prejudice”. This means that it cannot be shown to the judge in any subsequent court proceedings. It is, however, a useful tool which enables the parties to see in writing exactly what was proposed or agreed.
If agreement is reached and both parties are happy with what is proposed in the Memorandum of Understanding, the terms can be incorporated into a draft Court order which can be sent to the
Court for approval with the consent of both parties. Alternatively the terms can be set out in a separation agreement or deed.
The terms of the agreement only become binding when the order is approved by the Court or the deed of separation is complete with the correct signatures and engrossment.
Is mediation legally binding?
One of the most common concerns about mediation is whether discussions, proposals or agreements reached in mediation are binding on the parties.
All discussions, proposals and agreements in mediation are “Without Prejudice”. This means that they are private, confidential and cannot be discussed with the judge if your case ends up in court, enabling you to discuss and explore the options without worrying that what you say may be held against you in the future.
However, financial information which is disclosed in mediation is “open”. It therefore can be used in any subsequent court proceedings, and the principle of full and frank financial disclosure applies in mediation.
Any agreement reached can only become binding when put into a binding format, such as a Court approved order or a deed.
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