Family Mediation

Wainwright & Cummins LLP offer affordable family mediation for couples separating or divorcing and in need of resolving disputes quickly, cheaply and without the stress of going through court.

Family mediation often involves arrangements for children or property and financial issues. We also mediate issues such as child maintenance payments, sharing finances or debts, inheritance, intergenerational disputes or family business issues.

In family mediation we are neutral and do not take sides in a dispute, nor do we give legal advice, but identify issues of conflict and help the participants resolve the dispute together.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary process where an independent professionally trained mediator assists people separating or divorcing to work out an agreement after you have split up. It can help to sort out issues as:

• Arrangements for children, including contact or living arrangements; and
• Financial arrangements, including issues around sharing finances (the house, savings, pension, debts) or child maintenance.

The family mediator’s role is to listen to the concerns and help sort out arrangements. Even if you have been separated for a while or if your case has already gone to court, mediation can help to resolve any dispute you may have.

Mediation can also help in finding solutions between parents and grandparents or assist in any personal or professional family dispute, including inheritance issues or impact of a move or career change.

If you are thinking about family mediation remember:

• It gives you more say about what happens and you determine the outcome. In court a judge will make the decisions.
• It is a much quicker process then drawn-out court battles, and agreements can be reached in one or two mediation sessions.
• Mediation is a cost-effective way of sorting any differences you have with your ex-partner about money, property or children.
• It is less stressful and can often preserve relationships as you and your ex-partner work together to resolve issues and improve communication. Arrangements are often more long-lasting than court-imposed decisions.
• It is less upsetting for children when parents work together and they can even be involved in the decision-making process if you both and your child agree.
• It is a flexible process. Court hearings take a format and outcomes can often leave little room for change. Agreements in mediation are flexible and can change as, for example, children’s needs change as they get older.
• It is a confidential process and you do not need to do anything against your wishes.

What is a MIAM?

Once you agree that you want to try mediation, the first step is to attend a meeting with the mediator called a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM). You can go with your partner, or you can see the mediator separately if you prefer.

The purpose of the MIAM is for you to understand the process and to consider whether mediation is right for you in the situation. After the MIAM, if you both agree and the mediator believes it to be suitable, a mediation session will be set-up for you both to attend.

For more information about family mediation please contact us on 02070955700 and ask for Dominic Geodjenian.