• Saves on costs
• Less acrimonious
• Quicker than other methods of dispute resolution
• Can improve communication and future relations
• Can be conducted on a “shuttle” basis if required

Mediation allows the participants to remain in control and empowers them to make joint decisions on the issues that concern them, rather than handing over the control / power to a judge who doesn’t know them (or their children).

Mediation gives the participants an opportunity to fix the problem. They can tell each other their frustrations and hurts, work through any misunderstandings, express regret and ask for what they need from the other person. They can talk about any issue that concerns them and are not restricted to discussing the official complaint – which is often the case in court proceedings.

An agreement that is reached by participants willingly, is often more likely to be adhered to than an order that is imposed upon them. Mediation works best when participants actively engage in the process and genuinely want to resolve their difficulties. They realise that going to court to resolve their conflict could have costly consequences and are willing to cooperate with one another to find a solution. Mediation also works best when participants are capable of making plans and keeping promises.

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In relation to money and property issues, mediators can help both of you understand your financial positions. The mediator will help you consider all of the options available to you and attempt to help you reach a financial settlement after considering each of your circumstances and needs. The mediator will also help you to consider the children’s financial needs.

In relation to child arrangements, the mediator can help both of you discuss your children’s needs and express any concerns in relation to their upbringing. The mediation process may also assist to establish the housing arrangements for the children and the children’s contact between the parent who does not have day to day care of the children.

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You will be encouraged to take legal advice throughout the process as and when required and it is very important that you do so before finalising any financial agreement. You will not be pressured into reaching an agreement in mediation and any agreement is subject to legal advice.

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You will be assessed to see if you are eligible for legal aid for family mediation. If you qualify then the Legal Aid Agency will fund your costs for mediation. If you do not qualify we will provide you with full details of our fixed fees. There is currently a government-backed “Family Mediation Voucher Scheme” for child-related mediations. This scheme was extended in January 2022. We can discuss whether you are likely to be eligible for a voucher during your Mediation Information and Assessment meeting (MIAM).

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It is difficult to set out a timetable for each individual case. Each session lasts approximately one and a half hours and most cases require two or three sessions. You will be asked at the end of each session if you wish to have another meeting. If you have complicated financial matters to sort out, you may need at least three or four sessions.

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We are committed to providing a high quality mediation service to all of our clients. When something goes wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards. If you have a complaint, please contact Carl Bailey, Hamers Solicitors LLP, 5 Earls Court, Priory Park East, Hull, HU4 7DY. Complaints must be made within 3 months of the cause for complaint. If the complaint relates to the mediation process as a whole then the 3 month timescale runs from the date of the last mediation session.

Your complaint will be acknowledged within 10 working days of receipt and will be investigated and responded to within 30 working days of receipt. If further time is required, you will be notified in writing. It may be appropriate for the complaint to be mediated with the mediator if you and the mediator agree for this to happen.

If we have dealt with your complaint through our complaints procedure and you are still not satisfied, you can contact the Family Mediation Standards Board (FMSB) via fmsb@familymediationcouncil.org.uk or by phone on 0844 556 7215.