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. Our qualified family mediators will guide you through the process, ensuring that you are fully informed throughout. Our accredited Mediators cannot offer legal advice or counselling, but they are all fully qualified family law Solicitors and registered with the Family Mediation Council, so they will make sure that any agreement or decisions that you make are legally acceptable.

The Mediator 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.

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.

Common topics which arise in Family Mediation are: 

• Making arrangements for the children.
• Making decisions about your finances which can include the family home, pensions and any contributions to be made.
• You might also find it useful to discuss parenting arrangements or the preparation of a parenting plan with the assistance of the family mediator.
• As part of Hepburn Delaney’s family mediation service, we also discuss which avenues of communication are currently successful, alongside alternatives where you think this could improve communication in the long term.

What will happen at mediation?

There are three main stages (however, please note it is important to know that these stages can be flexible): 

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 £100 plus VAT.

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. They are £180 plus VAT per person, per session. The number of sessions you need will vary but can be up to 4.

End of Mediation – At the end of the mediation process, for an additional fee 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.

Family Mediation Services in Hemel Hempstead 

If you are considering mediation or would like to make an appointment, please contact our Head of Mediation Drenne Dunphy, who will be happy to talk you through the process, including whether you would like to attend a MIAM or a joint session.

Drenne is available to meet you in person in a number of locations throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

To contact Drenne:

Please call us on 01442 218090

Email us on info@hepburndelaney.co.uk

Click on the link: Contact the Mediation Team

Here are a number of frequently asked questions which will inform you about the mediation process and help you decide whether mediation is the right option for you and your family.

 Do I have to mediate?

 What is a MIAM?

 What is a Memorandum of Understanding?

 Is mediation binding?  

Our blog articles for further information

https://www.hepburndelaney.co.uk/family/mediation-services-hemel-hempstead/

https://www.hepburndelaney.co.uk/mediation/what-to-consider-when-using-a-solicitor-family-mediator/

https://www.hepburndelaney.co.uk/mediation/preparing-for-family-mediation/