Mediation Solutions – Family separations are never easy or straightforward, especially when it involves making new financial arrangements or dividing up a child’s time between parents to fit with the changing circumstances. When it comes to children and finances, some families struggle to agree about what should happen next, putting a strain on everyone but particularly on children. This is damaging in the short-term as conflicts spill over into everyday life, but it can also be harmful to children’s longer-term development. National Family Mediation Service shares why so many families are turning to mediation to work through their issues.
Every year around 55,000 families end up in the family courts to work through their differences and resolve these disputes, often with protracted proceedings that put prolonged stress on all involved. Quarterly Legal Aid Statistics Gov.uk shares that Family mediation MIAM sessions have increased by a 7% compared with April to June 2023. This is much a welcomed number as pressure on the family courts since COVID has led to significant backlogs and delays, particularly in private law cases.
NFMS offers Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) which a crucial initial meeting in the family mediation process, often required before issuing proceedings in the judicial system. During this first meeting, a trained family mediator, accredited by the Family Mediation Council, provides basic information about the costs of mediation, including the cost of the MIAM itself. The NFMS mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable for resolving disputes, such as will disputes, and explains the relevant court form needed if mediation proceeds. In painful situations, shuttle sessions, where the mediator shuttles between separate rooms, can be arranged to ensure comfort. The costs of mediation can vary, and financial contributions may be discussed. A joint MIAM appointment or separate initial meetings can be scheduled, depending on the parties’ preferences. Understanding these aspects helps parties make informed decisions about mediation, which can lead to major changes without the need for court intervention.
The rise in family mediation sessions is a positive development, reflecting a shift towards more amicable and efficient dispute resolution methods. As more families opt for mediation, the pressure on family courts is likely to decrease, resulting in quicker resolutions and less emotional strain on those involved. This trend is a testament to the effectiveness of mediation in addressing family disputes and highlights the importance of continued support and promotion of non-court dispute resolution methods.
National Family Mediation can play a role where there is the will to find common ground – not just between separating parents or couples but other family members as well. This is clearly demonstrated by the success of the Government’s Mediation Voucher Scheme. With an impressive 69 percent success rate, the scheme has made it possible for thousands of families to enlist the help of mediators and reach full or partial agreements, without the need to go through a potentially long and adversarial court process.
The NFMS experts are determined to build on that success – to make sure that, where it is safe and appropriate to do so, we are able to help families going through law disputes make reasonable attempts to mediate and reach solutions before applying to the courts as a last resort and to avoid situations where parties draw proceedings out unnecessarily by refusing to reach reasonable settlements.
UK Family Mediation is committee to supporting families looking for dispute resolution and hopes to offer a less adversarial approach to resolving family disputes – an approach that puts children’s welfare first. Speak to the expert National Family Mediation Service today to begin your mediation journey.