What is Mediation?

Mediation is often a quicker and cheaper way of resolving disputes. It involves couples working through their differences – led by a trained and accredited mediator – to reach agreements they are both prepared to accept.

At First Steps Family Mediation, we specialise in bringing solutions for your family life beyond divorce or separation. We will listen and work with you every step of the way to make sure that you understand the choices you are making and feel empowered to make them.

What is the process to mediation?

STEP 1- Referral to First Steps Family Mediation for a free consultation.

STEP 2- Mediation initial assessment meeting (MIAM) – This is a meeting the client will need to attend, and is used for fact- finding this is a meeting with just themselves and a mediator ( the other party doesn’t attend) the meeting is a fact-finding meeting to understand the current situation, how the client would like to move forward and for the mediator to ascertain if mediation is suitable.

Once the first client has been seen we would contact the other party, this can be ex partners, grandparents, those with Parental responsibility. Should they be willing, we would invite said person to an Initial assessment meeting.

STEP 3- Once they have both been seen individually, we would then book a joint session. Generally, 1.5 hour for child issues, 2 hours for Finances. During the joint meeting, the clients will be asked to set an agenda and the mediator will facilitate them both to explore and develop options surrounding the points of discussion and reality check with them.

STEP 4- Resolution. Written Summary or Memorandum of Understanding and Financial Statement. Once both parties have agreed on the next steps, clients can begin the new routines and arrangements.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

Please email us if you cannot find an answer to your question or wish to discuss things further.

What is a MIAM?

A Mediation Initial Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a meeting between the client and the mediator to find out if there are any alternative ways to find a solution to their problems and to help you to find the best way forward. This can be in relation to children or financial issues after separation or divorce.

The MIAM can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour and is conducted online via Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp.

Will my Ex-Partner attend the meeting?

No, should you wish to proceed and if mediation is deemed a suitable means of resolution, your ex-partner will be invited to their own individual initial assessment meeting.

How much does it cost?

We can provide advice and assistance for mediation should you be in receipt of qualifying benefits or a low income. You can check your eligibility here. Our Fees are listed on our website and start from £80 per person.

What happens if I am eligible, and my ex is not?

If you are eligible for legal aid this entitles you to free mediation, this also entitles the other party to a free Initial assessment meeting and the first joint session is free too.

Should you wish to speak to someone instead then please call our freephone number 0800 669 6109 and we will assist you in finding out if you are eligible for assistance.

What if I need a court form?

We can provide a signed MIAM form required for a C100 child arrangements order or a FORM A for a financial order to the courts. It is a legal requirement for you to attend an initial assessment meeting before a mediator can sign these forms unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If you have any further questions surrounding the process of mediation, please do not hesitate to contact our office on 0800 061490

What is Mediation?

Mediation in Plymouth and the SouthWest

First Steps Family mediation offer Online Mediation in Plymouth and SouthWest England:

Virtual Mediation Meetings in London, Bristol, Leeds, Manche

First Steps Family mediation also offer Online Mediation across England and Wales in:

What is the process to mediation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Complete this form and one of our expert team will be in contact.

First Steps Family Mediation

Hours

What is Mediation?

Mediation in Plymouth and the SouthWest

First Steps Family mediation offer Online Mediation in Plymouth and SouthWest England:

Virtual Mediation Meetings in London, Bristol, Leeds, Manche

First Steps Family mediation also offer Online Mediation across England and Wales in:

What is the process to mediation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Complete this form and one of our expert team will be in contact.

First Steps Family Mediation

Hours

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