Mediation Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process to enable couples or other family members resolve issues arising from the breakdown of their relationship.    In a series of meetings a trained family mediator will work with individuals to assist them to communicate with each other, explore options and ideas and find mutually agreed solutions.  
 
2. What sort of issues can be discussed in mediation?
Family mediation can be used to discuss most practical issues arising from the breakdown of family relationships; disputes regarding children – where they are to live and when to spend time with both parents, financial and property matters including housing, division of assets and debts, pensions and maintenance.   

3. What is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and why do I need to attend?
Before starting family mediation, we will always meet with you and your former partner, together or separately, for a confidential information meeting to discuss the background circumstances, explain the process of mediation in detail and consider whether mediation may be appropriate for you and your former partner/family member.   

If you wish to apply for public funding with your solicitor, the Legal Services Commission require you to attend an introductory meeting with a family mediator to consider whether mediation is an option before you can submit your application for funding.

From 6 April 2011 new rules are being introduced in most family proceedings.   These new rules say that you cannot start any Court proceedings until you have attended a MIAM with a family mediator to find out about family mediation.     
 
4. Who will I see for the MIAM and how long will it take?
bbl family mediation has three trained family mediators.     You and your former partner/family member (if he or she attends) will see the same mediator for the MIAM and that mediator will conduct the mediation.    The MIAM will last approximately 45 minutes.

5. Will my former partner attend the MIAM with me?
When we receive the referral, we will make contact with you to discuss arrangements for the MIAM.     You and your former partner may have already agreed to attend family mediation and you may feel comfortable attending for the MIAM together.       If not, we will arrange the MIAM for you to attend on your own.  

6. What if my former partner refuses to attend?
Family mediation is a voluntary process.   No-one is forced to attend.    If your former partner is unwilling to attend a MIAM to find out about mediation, we will sign a form “FM1” which confirms that you have attended your MIAM but that your former partner is unwilling to do so.  You will need this form before you can start any court proceedings or apply for public funding.

For more information please visit our mediation website www.bblfamilymediation.com