
Paul Linsell
Partner and Head of Family Law
+44 (0)118 952 7104
[email protected]
View Full ProfileFamily mediation is an effective process for resolving a range of disputes in the context of a relationship breakdown or other family matter.
The mediation sessions provide a flexible, bespoke process that brings you and the other party together to help identify, discuss and resolve the issues that you need to address. It is a voluntary process where you decide the issues that you want to address, putting you in control.
The role of the mediator is to skilfully guide the discussions, provide relevant information and to signpost you to other resources that will be helpful as the process unfolds. The mediator is neutral but will assist you to understand what is important to you and ensure you can make fully informed decisions about the future for you and your family.
Do you need advice? We can give you instant advice and helpful information that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
Start todayPaul Linsell is an experienced mediator, trained via Resolution. He is fully accredited through the Family Mediation Council to conduct mediation in relation to all issues. In addition to a full mediation service, Paul can conduct a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
We also have extensive experience of supporting clients who are engaged in mediation with an independent mediator by providing legal advice and helping to plan for mediation sessions.
There are many reasons why mediation might be the right process for you, including:
It is rare for parties to commence mediation believing they will conclude an agreement. Despite this, most mediations will result in a concluded agreement.
If that does not happen for you then you can still explore other avenues for resolving the issues you need to address, including court proceedings. Even in those circumstances, there is still often a benefit of the mediation as it can be useful in narrowing the issues between you, even if you cannot agree on everything. This will often expedite any alternative process that may still be required and save costs.
It is sensible to explore the option of mediation early on if you think it is something that might work for you. The earlier mediation is considered, the less likely it is that costs will have been incurred on any alternative processes or that views will have become entrenched on certain issues.
However, mediation is usually an option at any stage of your relationship breakdown process and irrespective of whether a court process has begun or not.
We have experience of successfully assisting in mediation at any time from the very outset or just before a contested court hearing. It is not uncommon for mediation to be re-considered once a court process has commenced and the realities of that process are laid bare, including the financial and emotional costs it often entails. Mediation can run alongside any other formal process if desired.
The process is flexible to suit the needs of you and your family. Traditionally, mediation takes place with the parties and mediator in the same room. However, it is possible to break-out into separate rooms where appropriate or to conduct the entire mediation in separate rooms (known as ‘shuttle mediation’), potentially even at different times or on different dates if required so that the parties do not come face to face.
There is also the option of remote mediation via video call, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the added convenience and time savings.
Many people choose to attend mediation to gain the benefits it can bring, but it is a completely voluntary process.
However, before starting most types of court proceedings there is a requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (“MIAM”) to ensure mediation has been carefully considered.
Most family court judges will actively encourage parties to attend mediation and will not only expect it to have been carefully considered before progressing a court application but may also adjourn proceedings to allow time for mediation if appropriate.
Sign up to receive the latest news on areas of interest to you. We can tailor the information we send to you.
Sign up to our newsletter