Do I have to go to mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process so it is your decision whether you wish to participate in the process. Both parties must have attended a MIAM appointment and signed an agreement to mediate before mediation can commence.
How long does the process take?
This is a very subjective question – every case is different and more complex issues can take longer to resolve, however as a guide, 3-4 sessions is usually a good amount of time to arrive at a conclusion.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM stands for a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting. It’s a first meeting between the mediator and each of you separately. The mediator will get to know you better and see if mediation is the right way to sort things out. They’ll ask you about your background and it’s a chance for you to chat openly and raise any concerns you might have. They’ll also explain the mediation process and give you an agreement to sign before the first meeting.
Attending a MIAM is a requirement for anyone intending to file Court proceedings relating to a family matter.
What does mediation cost?
Safe Space Mediation prides itself on transparent pricing – we charge £100 for each party for a MIAM, and between £80 to £120 per hour for each person joining a mediation session (not including your solicitor if in solicitor aided mediations). Please see our ‘our fees’ section for further information.
What happens once we reach an agreement?
Once you come to an agreement, your mediator will put this into a document called a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). You will both receive a copy of this document which outlines the nature of your agreement in writing.
If your agreement is around property and finances, a solicitor can take the MoU and formalise it into a Financial Consent Order to be made legally binding by a court.
If your agreement concerns children and their care arrangements, this may be formalised into a document called a Parenting Plan.
What’s the difference between mediation and using a solicitor?
Solicitors will only represent one side of a potential dispute, and act as a legal face of that view in front of the other party. Mediation provides a space for both parties to come to agreement and have both viewpoints considered.
Mediators offer a non-judgmental forum, unbiased towards either party, and are able to facilitate conversation required to reach an agreement before costly court proceedings. There are always cases that are not suitable for mediation, however the court now asks that in the case of family matters that you wish to take to court, that attempts at mediation are made before proceeding.