Assistance with mediation

In mediation, an independent third party, the mediator, would meet with the parties to try and help resolves the issues between them to help facilitate the division of assets and arrangements regarding any children. The mediator is a neutral party who does not take sides in the dispute and their only aim is to find a suitable outcome that both parties are happy with. Mediation is designed to try and prevent the need for long, protracted discussions and arguments between the parties with the aim of helping the parties come to an agreement without needing to go to the Courts.

Under the current reforms to the Family Law system, an emphasis has been placed on encouraging parties to engage with mediation and other non-court dispute resolution methods. This is helped by all parties in a Family Law matter being required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, often referred to as a MIAM. The only exception to this is where domestic abuse has been alleged by one or both of the parties. At a MIAM you will be provided with information regarding the principles, processes and different models of mediation, as well as other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Mediation and other non-court dispute resolution methods not only help to reduce the long waiting times currently in place for court hearings, but also allow parties to hopefully settle their disputes in a faster and non confrontational way. Our team is there to help ensure that any agreements made are fair not only for you but for any other parties to the mediation such as any children of the relationship.

Our team are here to help advise you on all aspects involved in mediation including whether it is suitable for your case. There will be occasions where mediation is not suitable, such as cases involving domestic abuse or violence to ensure all parties are safe. Our team will also be on hand to help you to decide the outcomes you are hoping for from the mediation to help facilitate a smooth process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.