Mediation is like counselling: Unlike counselling, mediation focuses on practical solutions for future arrangements rather than emotional reconciliation. Mediation is a process that helps people resolve disputes.

Mediation is only for divorcing couples: It can address various family disputes, not just divorce-related issues.

Mediation doesn’t require full financial disclosure: In mediation people have to provide exactly the same financial information as if they were going to go to court.

Mediators make decisions: Mediators facilitate discussions but do not impose decisions, parties reach their own agreements. Mediators can provide lots of information to help people make decisions but everyone attending mediation has the opportunity of obtaining advice from their own lawyer, if they would like to, before any final agreement is confirmed.

Mediation is expensive and lengthy: It is generally more cost-effective and quicker than court proceedings. Most mediations can be concluded in a few months. The average court case takes approximately a year to resolve, often longer and a court case can cost each person at least £12-15,000 but often a lot more.

Mediation is only for amicable situations: It can be effective even in high-conflict cases. Courts are now encouraging people to try mediation for all types of family and financial disputes before making an application to a court. Most court applications must be accompanied by a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment) certificate now to show to a Judge that mediation has been considered.

People also think that mediation has to be conducted face to face with everyone in the same room, but online family mediation offers several benefits compared to in-person meetings:

Convenience and Flexibility: Online mediation allows participants to engage from their own homes/office, eliminating the need for travel and making it easier to book meetings around busy schedules.

Cost-Effectiveness: Without travel and venue costs, online mediation is generally more affordable, making it accessible to more people.

Accessibility: It enables participation from different geographical locations, broadening the pool of available mediators and allowing parties to choose from a wider range of expertise.

Comfort: Being in a familiar environment can reduce stress and make discussing sensitive issues easier.

At Family Mediation and Mentoring all our mediators were specialist family lawyers before specialising in mediation work and we are also qualified to meet with children. If you think family mediation could help you, book a free call on our website or email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk

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