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MIAMS Mediation is able to offer support for family disputes.

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Family Mediation FAQs: Your Guide to Understanding the Process

Welcome to the MIAMS Family Mediation Services. We know that navigating family disputes can be challenging, and many people have questions about how family mediation works. We aim to answer some of the most common questions we receive about family mediation, including information on financial support options like Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a process where a neutral third-party mediator helps family members resolve disputes in an amicable and constructive manner. This can involve issues related to divorce, child custody, financial arrangements, and other family conflicts. The mediator facilitates discussions, helping parties to communicate effectively and reach mutually acceptable agreements without going to court.

How Does Family Mediation Work?

During mediation sessions, the mediator will guide the discussion, ensuring that each party has an opportunity to speak and be heard. The goal is to help the parties explore solutions that meet everyone’s needs. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and typically less adversarial than court proceedings.

Who Can Use Family Mediation?

Family mediation  is suitable for anyone experiencing family disputes, including divorcing or separating couples, parents needing to agree on child arrangements, and other family members involved in conflicts. Both parties must agree to participate in mediation.

What Are the Benefits of Family Mediation?

Family mediation offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Reduced Conflict: Encourages cooperative problem-solving and reduces hostility.
  • Confidentiality: Discussions during mediation are private and cannot be used in court.
  • Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive than court proceedings.
  • Control Over Outcomes: Parties have more control over the agreements reached.
  • Quicker Resolution: Often faster than the litigation process.
  • Emotional Well-being: Reduces stress and promotes better communication.


Mediation Financial Support FAQ

What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government initiative in the UK designed to encourage the use of mediation for resolving family disputes. The scheme provides vouchers worth up to £500 to help cover the cost of mediation for eligible families. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of mediation and promote its benefits as an effective means of resolving disputes outside of court.

How Do I Apply for Legal Aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

To apply for Legal Aid you will need to provide information about your financial situation, including income, savings, and expenses. A mediator or a legal aid advisor can help you determine your eligibility and assist with the application process. To benefit from the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, you should discuss your eligibility with your mediator, who can guide you through the application process.

Is Family Mediation Legally Binding?

The agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding by themselves. However, they can be made legally binding if both parties agree and a consent order is obtained from the court.

How Long Does Family Mediation Take?

The duration of mediation varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement. It can take anywhere from a few sessions to several weeks.

What is Legal Aid and How Can It Help with Mediation Costs?

Legal aid is financial assistance provided by the government to help cover the costs of legal services, including family mediation. Eligibility for legal aid is based on your income and savings. If you qualify for legal aid, it can cover the costs of mediation sessions, making it accessible to individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford it.


General information about Mediation, Please click the links below to find out more info:

Family’s are deeply affected by divorce or separation, especially when there are children in the family. Often these painful situations can be helped with the supportof a mediator who will hold a  Mediation Information Assessment Meeting or MIAM. A MIAM can guide communication and set the tone for the goals of mediation.

When attending a court proceeding on the matter, the family will need to present an FM1 (Family Mediation 1 form) which confirms that a MIAM has been held.

As of April 2014, significant changes were made to the judicial system regarding separation and divorces, particularly where children were involved. These changes ensure that the welfare of the children is paramount, with minimal impact on the children and as little negativity as possible. One of the major changes was a requirement for a mediation session or MIAM to be attended before any court proceedings to do with financial or custody matters (hence the need for a FM1 to be produced).

If the split is acrimonious and both parties find it difficult to be in the same room, as would happen with face to face mediation, it is possible to ask for shuttle mediation.

Shuttle sessions happen when the two parties are seated in separate rooms either virtually or physically and the mediator shuttles between the two, discussing issues and offering solutions.

Shuttle mediation is often a good solution with distance between the parties allowing for rational and reasoned thinking.

[MIAMS Mediators can also help with will disputes: resolving issues between and coming to an acceptable compromise to the conflict that arises as a result of separation.

Need help? Call a family mediator today on 03300 101354

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