SOLENT FAMILY MEDIATION CHATHAM
This guide outlines the critical steps and knowledge required for anyone attending the Family Court, which is located at the Medway County Court and Family Court in Chatham.
This guide outlines the critical steps and knowledge required for anyone attending the Family Court, which is located at the Medway County Court and Family Court in Chatham.
Before filing an application to the Family Court for matters concerning children (Child Arrangement Orders) or finances (Financial Remedy), you must first consider and, in most cases, attend an alternative dispute resolution meeting.
Mandatory Requirement: For almost all private law children applications (C100 form) and financial applications (Form A), you must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
Purpose: The MIAM is a short meeting with a trained mediator to discuss whether mediation or other non-court solutions could resolve your dispute.
Exemptions: You do not need to attend a MIAM if you meet certain criteria, such as evidence of domestic abuse (Form C1A), urgency, or previous unsuccessful attempts at mediation within a specific time frame. You must clearly state the exemption on your application form.
The Goal: The court’s priority is to encourage parents and couples to agree outside of court, saving time, costs, and reducing conflict.
Preparation is vital. The judge will read the case file before the hearing, so your paperwork must be clear, concise, and complete. The essential documents to prepare are;
| Document | Purpose | Case Type |
| Application Form | The form that started the case (e.g., C100 for children, Form A for finances). | All |
| Chronology | A simple, objective timeline of key events (dates of birth, marriage, separation, incidents). Must be dated and factual. | All |
| Statement of Issues | A short, numbered list of the specific points the judge needs to decide. | All |
| Position Statement | A brief (usually 1-2 page) document setting out your current position, the history of the case, and what specific order you are asking the judge to make at this hearing. | All |
| Form E (Financial Disclosure) | A detailed, sworn statement of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure, supported by 12 months of bank statements, pay slips, valuations, etc. | Financial Only |
| CAFCASS Safeguarding Letter | If the case involves children, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) performs safeguarding checks (police and local authority records) and usually interviews the parents before the first hearing. Their initial letter is crucial. | Children Only |
Key Principles for Paperwork
1. Keep it Factual: Avoid emotional language, speculation, or blame. Stick to verifiable facts.
2. Clarity: Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and a large, legible font (Size 12 is standard).
3. The Court Bundle: For more complex or later hearings, the court requires a paginated and indexed bundle of all relevant documents. Ensure you know if you are responsible for preparing this bundle and the deadline for filing it (usually at least 2 working days before the hearing).
Your conduct, professionalism, and preparedness can influence the process and the judge’s perception of your willingness to cooperate.
PRACTICAL STEPS
Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the Medway County Court and Family Court at least 30 minutes to an hour before your listed hearing time. This allows time for security checks, finding your courtroom, and speaking to any legal representative or the usher.
Dress Code: While there is no formal uniform, you should dress smartly, respectfully, and conservatively.
Security: You will go through airport-style security (metal detectors, bag checks). Do not bring weapons or unauthorised items.
Check In: Locate the Court Usher or the court desk and check in immediately upon arrival.
Do Not Bring Children: You must arrange separate childcare. Children are generally not allowed in the court building unless specifically requested by the court (e.g., for a meeting with CAFCASS).
Silence Phones: Turn off your mobile phone completely before entering the court room.
BEHAVIOUR AND ETIQUETTE
Remain Respectful: address the Judge as “Sir” or “Ma’am” or “Your Honour” (if a Circuit Judge).
Listen Carefully: Only speak when invited to do so by the Judge. Do not interrupt the other party, their solicitor, or the Judge.
Stay Focused: Refer back to your Position Statement and Chronology to ensure your points are delivered clearly and remain relevant to the issues before the court.
Be Willing to Compromise: The Family Court is non-adversarial. The Judge is looking for solutions that serve the best interests of the child (in children cases) or that achieve fairness (in financial cases). Showing a willingness to negotiate and compromise is viewed positively.
McKenzie Friend: If you are representing yourself (Litigant in Person), you are generally allowed to bring one friend or relative (a McKenzie Friend) for moral support, note-taking, and quiet guidance, but they cannot speak on your behalf unless given permission by the Judge.
We offer mediation hubs around the Solent Region.
Offering Civil and Family Mediation, Legal Aid Mediation.
Strictly by Appointment Only.
Location is not staffed.
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online
Our Chatham Hub – Find us at;
Stonecross Lea, Chatham ME5 0BL
Call our team to book your mediation on 0238 161 1051