FAQs

Following the two-part individual MIAM with a mediator and therapist there are commonly around four joint mediation sessions, which usually each last 90 minutes. You may require more, or fewer, meetings depending upon your individual needs. You may choose to be supported by our therapist in addition to the mediator or we may recommend that the joint meetings are only suitable to proceed with the continuing support of our therapist and her involvement. At the end of the mediation process the mediator will draft the proposed agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for your solicitor to see. Our illustration of costs is based on this schedule.

As mediation is generally quicker than court proceedings the costs are usually much less than legal fees are for litigation. Most of the work is done in the meetings themselves rather than conducted through expensive telephone calls and letters between solicitors. The costs are also shared between both participants rather than you each instructing a solicitor and then often a barrister. The addition of our in-house therapist’s continuing involvement will be at your request, or on our recommendation and with your agreement.

Mediation meetings do not have to wait for or comply with a court timetable; you can decide to have meetings as quickly or frequently as you wish. Sessions can often be arranged at short notice. Child Arrangements and Parenting Agreements are particularly suited to mediation and benefit from matters being dealt with promptly. Sometimes finalising financial matters can be delayed by the need to obtain business valuations or pension sharing reports, but often other financial and practical issues can be addressed and dealt with whilst those are awaited.

We suggest that you retain your own solicitor to advise you at the outset of the mediation. The mediator will advise you if and when it is appropriate for you to ‘check in’ with your solicitor as the negotiations progress. You will need your solicitor to approve the Memorandum of Understanding. They can then convert this into a Consent Order on your behalf to be endorsed by the court.

The mediation process can be used for difficulties and breakdown in all types of family relationships; married, unmarried and same sex couples. It may be used for property and money disputes or disputes concerning arrangements for the children. It can also be used for disputes between family members arising out of inheritance or the shared ownership of properties, or community-based problems such as neighbour disputes. It is particularly useful when there is a desire to maintain an ongoing relationship after the issues have been resolved.

The breakdown of a relationship and the separation and feelings of loss that follow can be painful. Mediation is not an easy option. You will have to sit in the same actual or virtual space as your former life partner and work with them to reach a resolution during one of the most challenging times in your relationship. The process will involve making tough decisions, where you may have to compromise. The psychotherapy training of the mediators and therapist at The Mediation Space can give you the emotional space to be able to do this and can enable you to work out solutions which will work for your family, giving you the best chance of having a constructive future relationship.