What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process, that enables those who are separated or divorcing to work with a family mediator who acts impartial, to help them to make their own informed decisions regarding their future finances and or child arrangements.
Mediation is not an ‘easy’ option, although it is often considered to be a ‘better way’. The process can result in a quicker outcome and is significantly less in terms of costs, than court proceedings. It enables the parties, with the help of a professionally trained Mediator, to discuss the issues constructively, and reach a mutually acceptable outcome allowing them therefore to still feel in control of what happens in the future. Mediation is an alternative, to issuing Court proceedings.
If you want to consider mediation you must firstly attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). These meetings are also compulsory, in most situations, before issuing an application at Court as you have to demonstrate that you have considered the mediation process.
WHAT IS A MIAM?
A ‘MIAM’ is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the Mediator to:
- Explain the process
- Explain their role as an impartial professional (a Family Mediator is often a qualified solicitor with experience in family law)
- Take details regarding the party's situation, and identify what the issues are
- Assess if their situation is suitable for mediation
- Identify if there are any underlying issues the mediator needs to be aware of which may affect how any joint meetings are conducted if mediation was to proceed
If after the MIAM, mediation is considered suitable and the party attending indicates they would like to mediate, the Mediator will then contact the other party, to invite them to also attend a separate MIAM. As Mediation is a voluntary process, both parties need to be willing to engage.
Court proceedings are often the last resort, but if one party is not willing to mediate, after attending a MIAM, a certificate can be issued upon request to confirm they have attended a MIAM which will enable that person to make an application to Court. This can be for finances or for a child arrangements order (more commonly known as residence, contact, or child custody). This certificate is only valid for 4 months after issue.
We Offer
- Out of hours appointments including evenings and Saturdays
- Online mediation via whatsapp video, facetime, zoom or skype
- Child Inclusive Mediation
- Legal aid for those who qualify*
- Signposting to other services to provide a holistic service where needed
- Contactable 7 days per week
- Mediation suites in Liverpool City Centre, South Liverpool and Chester
- Keep you and your solicitor informed throughout the process
- Professional, friendly and effective service
*If you are in receipt of certain state benefits such as universal credit, employment support allowance or job seekers allowance you may qualify for legal aid. Contact us for more information
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People we have helped
Tracy was warm and welcoming from the start. Very knowledgeable and built up a good rapport immediately. She created a relaxed atmosphere in which to openly discuss very sensitive matters. She reacted compassionately when appropriate and was strictly professional at all times regardless of the situation. She remained calm if discussions became heated and offered many varied ways to help the discussion flow.