Emotions can run high during disputes and disagreements, and talking face-to-face can seem the hardest thing to do. You may think that emotionless Court litigation is the best way to fix the dispute without any more stress. But sometimes, you just need help to start talking and focus on reaching an agreement.
That’s where Family Mediation comes in. Whereas litigation involves lengthy, expensive Court proceedings that divide parties, mediation is a more affordable option to bring them together and create an amicable solution. Jackie Lee, an Associate Solicitor and a Mediator for our Family Team.
We can help you manage childcare arrangements, settle financial affairs or solve any family dispute by finding a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved.
What Does Family Mediation Look Like?
To start mediation, we need both of you to be open to discussion. That does not mean you have to agree. It is just an acknowledgement that you are willing to meet and talk things through to find the best solution for both of you.
The sessions are designed to provide a private space for both of you, and allow both of you to be heard, so you can better understand each other and how you would like to proceed. The mediator will listen to your issues, concerns and questions and then explain the available options.
What is the process of Family Mediation?
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
We start the process with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to gauge whether you are suitable for Family Mediation. The meeting will last around an hour, and it is your chance to explain everything regarding the issue. We will then evaluate whether Mediation is the best course of action or whether we should pursue other legal avenues to find a resolution.
Issues We Can Resolve
Whilst Family Mediation is typically associated with parents and divorce, it can also be used to resolve a wider scope of disputes. We can help you work through issues over the arrangements for the children and finances ancillary to a divorce or for couples who cohabited.
Advantages of Family Mediation
Our clients choose Family Mediation for a variety of reasons. We can help you manage your issues without taking them to Court. Here are three reasons why mediation may be for you:
- It is an alternative to Court that saves the cost, stress and time of litigation if you reach an agreement
- It enables you to make your own decisions regarding the arrangements for the children and finances
- You have the flexibility in the mediation of taking time to try out arrangements to ensure they will work best for all of you.
Why Choose Wilkes
Whenever family disputes arise, they are unique. So we offer mediation tailored to your needs. Our mediator, Jackie Lee, will learn everything she can about your case in a MIAM ready for your first mediation session. That way, we can address your key concerns and problems immediately. We commit to working with you throughout the process and offering reliable and responsive support. You even receive access to our other team members and partners for advice regarding any facet of the Law.
When you choose our services, you benefit from:
- Our partner-led approach
- A Legal 500 recognised law firm
- A Lexcel accredited and Solicitors Regulation Authority authorised law firm
- Our experience working with family disputes
- Our nationally-recognised solicitors
- Our legal connections abroad in 40 different countries
Our Offices
We offer our Family Mediation services out of our Birmingham and Solihull offices but handle clients throughout the UK. Whether you have separated and moved to different parts of the country or have other commitments keeping you away, we work to find the ideal meeting time and place. We can set up online sessions for flexibility.
FAQ
Family Mediation is not free. However, there are situations where you might be entitled to the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme or Legal Aid. If your dispute involves a child or financial matters affecting a child, you could receive a £500 voucher towards mediation. We do not offer a Legal Aid service at Wilkes however, we can put you in touch with a Mediator who can offer Legal Aid if you qualify.
