What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process through which separating couples seek to resolve any issues which may arise between them as a consequence of their separation. There does not necessarily need to be a dispute, just a wish to have a framework within which to resolve the issues arising out of your separation.

The process is confidential and leaves you, as the couple, making the decisions that are right for you, your family and your children, rather than others who do not know you. It should maintain or improve communication between you and provide you with sustainable agreements, particularly with regard to children and parenting issues.

Experiencing direct communication in a safe environment in mediation can give participants the confidence to continue that direct communication after the pressing issues have been resolved so that the family, and particularly the children benefit.

The first step in mediation with us is that we will have a short confidential telephone call with each of you and then arrange an individual private and confidential intake session. This will incorporate the MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting) element but also give us the opportunity to get to know you. You will be asked to sign our Terms of Business which will indicate our hourly rate and the likely overall cost of the mediation per couple or per person. When you continue onto joint sessions you will be asked to prove your identity and sign our Agreement to Mediate.

If you have children we can apply for the Ministry of Justice child mediation voucher which enables you to claim £500 inc. VAT per couple towards the costs of your mediation and this is deducted from your first joint session. We also offer Child Inclusive Mediation where the children are seen in an individual private and confidential session with the mediator to give them a voice in the process (but not necessarily a choice over issues).

Our network of offices in London and Thames Valley means that we can offer both virtual and face to face sessions and, where it is required, shuttle and hybrid mediation.