Family Mediation FAQs

Family Mediation is a voluntary process for separating or divorced couples to come together in a safe, structured setting to discuss and align on the best way forward. This can relate to agreements about finances, parenting, and property.

The process is designed to be amicable, forward focused and solutions orientated with a mediator helping you navigate through issues in an impartial and supportive way. Mediators can help inform and consider some of the options a court would consider but will not impose outcomes like a court would.

As mediation is voluntary, you don’t have to mediate if it’s not suitable for you. However, you must attend an Initial Assessment Meeting and consider the option before being allowed to make an application to court.

If you are considering whether mediation is right for you, please read <our guide comparing mediation and court>.

Family mediation is highly effective where both people are willing to take part and work towards agreement. It can help you avoid unnecessary court proceedings, reduce conflict and retain more control over decisions affecting your future.

The most important first step is to be ready to share your key concerns and desired outcomes in confidence with your mediator. If you are discussing finances, it is important to have all the relevant information for a full disclosure. It’s helpful to come to mediation informed about your situation and ideally having had legal advice. During your Initial Assessment Meeting your mediator will explain what is required and the secure and confidential way to share.

Firstly, both participants need to have attended an Initial Assessment Meeting session and have aligned with your mediator that the situation is suitable. Secondly, both participants need to have signed an Agreement to Mediate (shared by your mediator) ahead of the first session. Once this is completed, the first session can be scheduled.

There is no set formula for how many sessions as they are tailored to your specific situation and the complexity of the issues. Mediation is designed to be a much more time and cost effective system than court. When discussing the details of your situation, your mediator may be able to give a broad estimate based on experience.

At Accordia Mediation we conduct the majority of sessions online via video conferencing so you can take the session from somewhere comfortable and private. During the Initial Assessment Meeting, your mediator will discuss with you the options available and if joint mediation (where you are onscreen at the same time) or shuttle mediation (where your mediator moves between virtual rooms) may be more suitable for you.

We want to make sure the process is inclusive and supportive. Please raise any concerns you may have or adjustments you require with your mediator.

We will always try to speak in straightforward language and will explain any legal jargon or any terms that may be confusing.

The cost of mediation is typically shared between the two participants. During the Initial Assessment Meeting, your mediator will be able to discuss eligibility for any financial assistance through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. Click here to find out more

Unfortunately we aren’t able to accept Legal Aid clients at this time.