FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICE WESTBURY
Family mediation is often a far cheaper alternative compared to hiring lawyers for representation in courts following a breakup or child access disputes.
Family mediation is often a far cheaper alternative compared to hiring lawyers for representation in courts following a breakup or child access disputes.
Contact our team Today – Put and end to the conflict in your life – NOW.
With open communication and collaboration, mediation helps reduce conflict between everyone. This is incredibly helpful for making arrangements around children and who sees them when. Mediation promotes a more balanced and calm environment and hopes to bring you stronger relationships. Cooling and working on conflict is essential for the well-being of children and helps parents maintain a healthy parenting relationship.
MIAMs, FM1, and C100 in Family Mediation – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a crucial first step in the family mediation process. It is a mandatory meeting that individuals must attend before applying to the court for certain types of orders related to children or finances. The primary purpose of a MIAM is to provide information about mediation and other forms of non-court dispute resolution, and to assess whether mediation is a suitable method for resolving the issues at hand.
During a MIAM, an accredited family mediator will explain how mediation works, the benefits it offers, and whether it could help in your specific situation. The mediator will also discuss other available options and support services. If both parties agree that mediation is appropriate, the mediator will arrange further sessions to help you reach an agreement.
Form FM1 is used to confirm that you have attended a MIAM or to explain why you have not attended one. This form is required when making an application to the court for orders related to children or finances, such as a Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order If you are exempt from attending a MIAM due to specific circumstances like domestic abuse, urgency, or other valid reasons, you will need to indicate this on the FM1 form.
C100 Form
The C100 form is used to apply for a court order regarding child arrangements, such as custody or visitation. This form is essential for initiating legal proceedings related to children’s living arrangements, contact schedules, and other specific issues concerning their upbringing.
Before submitting a C100 form, it is generally required to attend a MIAM and obtain a signed FM1 form to confirm that mediation has been considered as an option.
How Family Mediation Helps
Family mediation offers a structured and supportive environment for resolving disputes related to separation, divorce, child arrangements, and financial matters. Here’s how family mediation can be beneficial:
• Cost-Effective: Mediation is generally less expensive than court proceedings, saving families both time and money.
• Confidential: Discussions in mediation are private and not disclosed to the court, encouraging open and honest communication.
• Control: Both parties have control over the decisions made, rather than having a judge decide for them.
• Speed: Mediation can be quicker than the court process, allowing families to resolve their disputes and move forward sooner.
• Reduced Conflict: Mediation promotes cooperation and reduces the adversarial nature of disputes, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining relationships, especially when children are involved.
By choosing family mediation, families can navigate their disputes with professional guidance, reducing stress and fostering better communication and cooperation. The mediation process empowers families to take control of their future and make decisions that are in their best interests.