First Steps

We offer a mediation information and assessment appointment (MIAM) to any person wishing to discuss their family matter and the options available with an accredited family mediator, and assess whether mediation would be suitable for addressing the matter.

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This appointment is confidential and separate from the other spouse or parent, who we would contact after your MIAM if appropriate.

 

The meetings are held in our offices in Stockport and online over Zoom, and last for approximately one hour. 

 

You can request a MIAM appointment via email admin@yourmediator.co.uk or book online.  You will be asked to complete a self-referral form detailing essential information and make payment for your appointment. We take payment to confirm your booking and we collect your information to provide mediation services to you. For further information about how we use and store your personal information please see our Privacy Policy.

At the information and assessment meeting important aspects of the mediation process are explained.  These include matters such as confidentiality, what you can expect from the mediator and what the mediator will expect from you. The mediator helps each person to assess whether mediation would be safe and suitable in their circumstances, and if mediation is not suitable, the mediator can sign the relevant court form to confirm your attendance.

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For more information about MIAMs please download our leaflet here.

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Mediation sessions and outcome documents

Completion of the process may involve attending between 1 and 4 mediation sessions depending upon the issues and complexity.  The sessions are normally between 1,5 and 2 hours in duration.

 

During the course of mediation your mediator may draft session summaries for you after each meeting. At the conclusion of the process the outcome is recorded in a signed Memorandum of Understanding, which contains the matters and resolutions achieved, and which will act as the basis on which your solicitor can draft your legally binding court orders.

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In some cases the mediator may prepare a Parenting Plan instead of the Memorandum. The mediator will discuss the options with you and provide the document most helpful in your circumstances.

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In case of financial mediation your mediator will prepare an Open Financial Statement recording a snapshot of the financial circumstances of both parties.  You will be guided through the process of financial disclosure, which consists of completing financial forms and providing evidence of your finances. 

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Online Services

You can expect the same level and quality of service as if you were to attend a face-to-face meeting at an office. You can have your MIAM or a mediation session in the comfort of your own home. Your mediator will provide some guidance and technical assistance to you if needed and communicate with you over Zoom. 

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Legal Aid and Mediation Voucher Scheme

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We offer assistance with both, legal aid for mediation and the mediation voucher schemes.

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For more information about legal aid please download our leaflet here.

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To learn about the voucher scheme, please follow these links:

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Family Mediation Council

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Please speak with your mediator in your MIAM appointment to assess your eligibility for either or both of these schemes.

To assist with a legal aid application the mediator may contact you prior to the MIAM and request additional information and documentation.