FAQs from Solent Family Mediation.

Family mediation is a way of helping people reach practical agreements after separation or divorce. It can help with children arrangements, finances, property, communication and future planning.

Mediation is for people who are separated, separating or dealing with family issues that need practical decisions. It gives you a structured setting to discuss arrangements rather than immediately relying on court proceedings.

Family mediation is not relationship counselling. It is usually used where a relationship has broken down or where people need help making practical arrangements after separation.

In mediation, you and the other person remain involved in the decisions. The mediator does not act as a judge and does not decide the outcome. Unlike solicitor-only negotiations, mediation can allow both people to discuss the issues directly in a managed setting.

Mediation can be quicker, less stressful and less expensive than contested court proceedings. It also allows both people to focus on practical solutions for children, finances and future arrangements.

A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is the first meeting with a family mediator. The mediator explains how mediation works, discusses your situation and considers whether mediation may be suitable.

The first MIAM is usually individual. You can explain your situation privately to the mediator. If mediation is suitable, the mediator can then discuss the next steps with both people separately before any joint session is arranged.

The initial information meeting usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the issues that need to be discussed.

Before mediation starts, you will usually attend a MIAM. The mediator will ask about the issues, explain the process, assess suitability and discuss options such as legal aid, voucher scheme eligibility or alternative next steps where mediation is not appropriate.

No. Mediation is voluntary. If you do not wish to continue after the initial meeting, you can tell the mediator or administrator and your file can be closed.

Your solicitor does not usually attend mediation with you. Many people attend mediation themselves and take legal advice separately before, during or after the process.

You can use a solicitor if you wish. Mediation is different because it helps both people discuss arrangements directly with the support of an impartial mediator. Many people use mediation and legal advice together.

No. Mediation discussions and summaries are not automatically legally binding. If an agreement needs to become legally binding, you can ask a solicitor to advise you on turning it into a formal court order where appropriate.

No. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps both people discuss the issues and explore options. The mediator does not make judgments, impose decisions or tell either person what agreement to make.

The cost depends on the appointment type and your circumstances. The first meeting can explain the process, the likely fees, and whether legal aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may be relevant. Evidence of income may be needed for funding assessments.

Mediation can usually be arranged after the information meetings have taken place and suitability has been considered. Further sessions are arranged at times that suit both people. Mediation sessions often last between one and two hours.

No. Full mediation usually involves both people and a mediator. The purpose is to help both people discuss the family issues that need to be resolved.

No. Mediation is a two-way process. It involves both people and a mediator discussing the family issues that need to be worked through.

Not always. If it is not suitable or comfortable for both people to be in the same meeting, shuttle mediation may be considered. In shuttle mediation, the mediator moves between each person separately rather than placing both people in the same room or online call.

Mediation can only proceed if both people are willing to take part. If the other person is unsure, they may be invited to speak with the mediator directly so the process can be explained. If mediation cannot proceed, the mediator can explain possible next steps.

Mediation is generally confidential, which helps people speak openly about possible solutions. There are important exceptions, including safeguarding concerns, risk of harm, financial disclosure issues and legal obligations. The mediator can explain how confidentiality applies before mediation begins.