Family Mediation

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is the process where an independent third party (the mediator) assists the parties to find options and reach proposals to resolve issues arising over their children, divorce or associated financial/property matters. We can help married couples, unmarried couples of mixed or same sex and family members.

Express Mediation Service

In emergency situations, mediation sessions can be arranged within 24 hours (ask for our express mediation service). This is particularly useful on urgent child contact/residence problems.

Why should I attend mediation rather than go ahead with court proceedings?

Mediation is quicker (generally 2/3 months with on average 3/4 sessions approx) where the court process may take a year or a year and a half to complete.

Mediation is cheaper, costing several hundred pounds per party rather than £10,000/£15,000 per party for court proceedings including in a final contested hearing. If you are legally aided it may be free.

Mediation leaves better feelings between parties because arrangements have been agreed rather than imposed by a court. This can help over many future years where divorced people meet, for example at christenings, weddings and funerals.

What happens in mediation?

Normally persons involved in a dispute will be seen separately or together (if they agree) first. If the people involved and mediators feel that mediation will be of help then you will be offered either one or a series of meetings depending on the circumstances of the case. The mediators will provide a safe mutual setting where your discussions can take place. Mediators have special training so that they can deal with hard discussions. Mediators can also help you to understand the information you will need so that you can decide the best way forward which is fair to everyone involved.

When will it all be over?

This must depend on the type of issues which are presented and the complexities of your particular circumstances. Family mediation will normally involve a series of meetings of about 1 hour each over several weeks. Most family mediations are complete in about 3 to 6 meetings. Sometimes this can be shorter or longer depending on the type of issues arising.

Cost?

Leonard Gray Mediation Service has been approved to undertake work paid for by the Legal Aid authorities. If you qualify for Legal Aid then in most cases the mediation sessions will be free of charge to you. There will be no deduction from any eventual monies or property which you receive as a result of receiving Legal Aid as this is paid for by the Government. If you do not qualify for Legal Aid then a set hourly rate will apply which will be agreed with you in advance. Each mediation session is paid for at the beginning. We would suggest that you telephone our mediation service on 01245 264764 or email us on jwalker@leonardgray.co.uk to check the current sessional rate for mediation if you are interested.

Can the mediators assist me?

Mediators are trained to deal with emotional situations involving anger and upset. Mediators understand that in family mediation their clients are dealing with often the most complex financial issues in their lives and the most upsetting emotional issues at the same time.

When could the agreements reached in mediation become legally binding?

Proposals made in mediation are written down for you if you wish but are not legally binding at that stage. A legal agreement can be drawn up from the mediation service documents for use by solicitors or you to be submitted to the court.

I am interested in mediation so what should I do now?

Please contact our office if you would like further information on mediation on 01245 264764 or jwalker@leonardgray.co.uk. You are very welcome to have an informal discussion with one of our mediation co-ordinators who can help you further.