FREQUENT QUESTIONS
DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN ASSESSMENT MEETING PRIOR TO MEDIATION?
An assessment helps you and the mediator determine whether or not mediation is suitable for you prior to any joint mediation taking place.
WHO PAYS FOR MEDIATION?
Generally, each person pays their own costs in much the same way as they would usually pay their own legal costs. However, it is up to the participants how they fund their costs.
WHAT IF ME OR THE OTHER PERSON DOESN'T WISH TO MEDIATE?
The only compulsory part of mediation is to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting prior to making an application to court. If, after attending the assessment meeting, you or the other person doesn’t wish to mediate, that is your choice.
DO YOU OFFER IN-PERSON MEETINGS?
No. Our service is an online service and all of our meetings take place via Zoom. It is quite straightforward and most people have found it very convenient, even if they have never used Zoom before.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY MIAM APPOINTMENT?
Once you have had your MIAM assessment, the other person will be invited to make an appointment for their own assessment meeting. Once you have both had an assessment meeting, if mediation is suitable and you both wish to do it, a joint session would then be arranged.
If mediation isn’t suitable, or you don’t wish to do it, then a certificate will be issued by the mediator to enable you to make an application to the court.
WILL YOU DISCLOSE TO MY EX-PARTNER WHAT I SAY IN THE MIAM?
No. This is an opportunity for you to have your say about what is going on. Your ex-partner will also be given that opportunity in their own MIAM meeting.
WHAT DOES MY MIAM FEE INCLUDE?
The MIAM fee includes your assessment meeting (up to an hour); contacting the other person (a second time if necessary); and keeping you updated.
There is an additional fee for the provision of a certificate if it proves necessary to make an application to court.
CAN I JUST GET A CERTIFICATE TO PROCEED TO COURT?
No. Unless you can provide your own exemption, anyone making an application to court on any children, property or financial matter needs to attend a MIAM. A certificate is then provided by the mediator to confirm that you have attended a MIAM if it is necessary to proceed to court.
IS THERE ANY HELP WITH FEES?
Legal Aid is available for those people that qualify. We do not, however, offer legal aid.
The FMC Voucher scheme is a government-funded scheme which provides up to £500 per couple for mediation if children are to be considered in mediation. WE TAKE PART IN THIS SCHEME.
Further information about both of these schemes can be found on our Family Mediation page: Family Mediation
HOW LONG WILL I WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
It is usually possible to book a mediation information and assessment meeting quite quickly so there are no long waiting lists.
WHAT DOES THE MEDIATOR DO?
The mediator will work with both of you to explore suitable ways to resolve your matters. This takes place when both of you are present so that you can fully discuss all options.
WILL MY EX-PARTNER BE AT THE MIAM MEETING?
No. The MIAM takes place on your own to provide the privacy needed to fully assess whether mediation is the right way forward for you. Once that has taken place, your ex-partner will be invited to make an appointment to attend their own assessment meeting.
HOW MANY SESSIONS OF MEDIATION WILL I NEED?
That very much depends upon what it is you need to sort out. Each session lasts up to two hours.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATE FOR?
The certificate from the mediator will be required as part of your application to court.