Process - Mediation Meetings

Mediation meetings take place after each person has completed a MIAM and all three participants (the mediator and the two people wishing to mediate) agree that the mediation process is suitable in all the circumstances.

Mediation is voluntary for all three participants.

The meetings usually last for around 2 hours, although longer time may be required if there is a full agenda, or if shuttle mediation is taking place.

Shuttle mediation is where each participant sits in a separate room and I shuttle between the two. It is a standard form of mediation.

Co-mediation is also a standard way of working, when 2 mediators are involved.

Mediation is a staged process, beginning with the information-gathering stage and then moving on to the options stage. For example, we could gather the information needed for a parenting plan first and then discuss each option to complete the plan. In financial matters we gather the financial disclosure and then discuss each option to conclude an agreement.

The timeframe for doing the work is yours. You set the timetable for the mediation meetings and we agree an action plan for work to be done in between the meetings. For example, we can set a date for the exchange of financial information, which I will manage, and you can chose a date which is convenient for both of you and which gives each person sufficient time to collect all the information.

Most people require between 3 to 5 meetings at dates and times that are convenient for everyone. Mediation is therefore the most cost-effective and quickest way to deal with the issues surrounding relationship break down. It has been shown that agreements reached through the mediation process are more likely to last compared to decisions imposed upon people who decide to take their disputes to court.

I will produce a written outcome of your mediation, which you can use to…

Mediation meetings can be face to face, in the same room, or in separate rooms, or online. My working hours for meetings are flexible and mediation is flexible and can be tailored to suit the needs of the participants.

People mediate at different stages. In an ideal situation, the parties are considering separation, they want a fair outcome and they need information and guidance about how to achieve this. There is also a role for mediation during and after court proceedings. For example, if there has been a recommendation for a child arrangements order at court, mediation can be used before the next hearing to discuss the fine detail in a better environment and with more time for discussion. If a final court order has been made with no reviews, mediation can be used to discuss appropriate changes for growing children.