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The Mediation Process
Mediation is the most cost-effective and quickest way to reach resolutions regarding the arrangements that need to be made for finances and children following divorce or separation.
Mediation enables you to avoid adversarial court hearings in divorce or separation and build positive co-parenting arrangements, which benefit the children of the family.
The Process - Step by step
Step 1
MIAM
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
This is a one-on-one session with the mediator where you will have an opportunity to explore the issues and identify your next steps. The mediator will be able to give you information about mediation, court and solicitor supported processes.
Meetings with your mediator can take place by video call or face to face.
Step 2
Joint Mediation Meetings
You will have two or more meetings with the mediator and the other participant. Meetings can be set up so you are either in a separate space from the other participant (shuttle mediation) or in the same space. The mediator will provide structure, support your discussions and help you both to explore options and find an agreed way forward.
Step 3
Documentation
When you reach agreement the mediator can draw up documents relevant to your case.
A Parenting Plan setting out arrangements for children.
An Asset Schedule and Memorandum of Understanding setting out the joint proposals for finances following separation or divorce.
These documents can be used to obtain a Court Order if required.
Other information
Mediation and Court
In most cases you are required to attend a MIAM to consider whether mediation is an option in your case before an application can be submitted to the family court.
Assessment
Mediation is not suitable in every case. After both MIAMs have taken place the mediator will undertake a careful assessment to check that mediation is the right process in your case
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