Mediation
- Mediation is a voluntary process.
- The mediator is impartial will not take sides, say who is to blame or act on behalf of anybody.
- It is a confidential process.
- It is about the two of you making decisions with the support of the mediator.
The first step is for you to both have a separate initial meeting MIAM. (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) This lasts for no longer than an hour. In this meeting you will be given information about mediation, you will discuss your circumstances, be told about next steps and alternatives to mediation and there will be an assessment as to whether mediation is the right way forward for you. You may also be signposted to other organisations that could help you.
Anybody who makes an application to court has to show they have attended a MIAM meeting unless an exemption applies.
The list of exemptions can be found on pages 5 to 8 of the C100 and pages 8 to 11 on the Form A
After your MIAM's you will be invited to a joint meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to give you the opportunity of saying what you need to say and to feel you have been listened to. It is about providing a safe environment for you to be able to have difficult conversations and to reach proposals for moving forward.
Your agreement will be written up by the mediator. The documents produced are not legally binding but can be used to draft up something to put before the court to make your agreement legally binding if required.
Information
You may find the following links helpful as a first step in understanding your situation
 | Sorting Out Child Arrangements |
|---|---|
| Apply for Order About Child Arrangements Without Lawyer | |
| Survival Guide for Sorting Out Your Finances When Getting Divorced | |
 | Family Child Advice |