Talking to your partner about the practicalities of separation or divorce can be difficult. Sometimes it’s just too hard to agree a way forward without some help.
If you are separating or divorcing, Mediation helps you navigate conflicts and the details of your separation – without involving a long, painful court battle or big legal fees. We offer you and your ex-partner a safe, neutral place where professional mediators can help you work out what happens after you split up.
Mediation offers a quicker and more cost effective alternative to going to court by providing a constructive environment to resolve disputes and focus on what matters most.
Download our leaflet (PDF)How Can Mediation Help?
Mediation tends to be quicker, less confrontational, and more cost-effective than going to court. Mediation offers a supportive space to work through any issues that you might be facing:
Finding Solutions Outside Of Court
Enabling you and your ex-partner to make your own decisions, avoiding costly court battles.
Navigating Family Life
Supporting children by preserving family relationships and helping them adjust better to separation.
Supporting Communication
Reducing conflict and improving communication,
creating a less stressful environment.
What to Expect:
If you decide mediation might be for you the first thing you need to do is attend a MIAM, ‘Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting’. You can either go to this meeting with your ex-partner or separately, if you’d prefer. After your MIAM, a joint decision can be made about whether you want to go ahead with mediation sessions.
The number of sessions you will require will depend on your situation, we will work together to help you reach an agreement.
The mediator will document a formal agreement this is a ‘Memorandum of Understanding” for child arrangements and an “Open financial statement” for finances. These documents can be made legally binding if you agree this is known as a consent order.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement if you want to take your case to court. The other party involved is also expected to attend but does not need to attend the same session. Certain exemptions apply, which can be discussed with the mediator. If mediation is deemed unsuitable, the mediator will provide the necessary documentation to proceed with court action (C100 form).
MIAMs can be held separately or together, depending on your preferences. Mediators will always spend time with each individual to ensure decisions are made voluntarily and that there is no risk of harm or coercion.
For further information please complete and return our referral form or call 0121 633 5527 or email: info@relatebirmingham.co.uk
Mediation can result in one of three key outcomes:
- No Agreement, Negotiations Break Down: When no resolution is possible, and participants decide to pursue a court ruling. Though a last resort, this ensures a final decision is made, which both parties must follow.
- Agreement Reached: Both participants come to a mutual understanding and agree on a way forward. Compromises may be needed, and the mediator helps explore options to find a workable resolution.
- No Agreement, Ongoing Negotiations: While no agreement is reached during mediation, both parties remain open to negotiating further, either independently, through solicitors, or by returning to mediation at a later stage.
No – mediation is a voluntary process and both parties must agree to attend. If you attend a MIAM on your own, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
You cannot be forced to mediate with your former partner.
A mediation session will take 1.5 to 2 hours but is guided by you. This will depend on the complexity of the issues involved and how quickly an agreement is reached. Some clients come to an agreement in a single session whereas others can take a number of sessions to depending on the matters raised.
If an agreement is reached the mediator will prepare a memorandum of understanding which sets out the terms of the agreement and provides a clear understanding and record of what has been agreed between you.
Your solicitor, can arrange to draft any relevant Court Orders or agreements, based the MOU. You or your ex-partner can then apply for a consent order approved.
There is usually no court hearing. A judge will approve your consent order if they think you have made decisions in your children’s interests, at that point it will become legally binding.
If you cannot reach an agreement in mediation, you can still negotiate directly with each other or via your solicitor and make an application to the courts.
How Much Will Mediation Cost?
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting
Mediation Sessions
Who We Support
We believe everyone deserves access to relationship support. Our services are inclusive and open to individuals, couples, and families – regardless of your relationship status, sexual orientation, or background.