Recent figures released by the Ministry of Justice show that 20,453 children were involved
in private family law cases, which took an average of 39 weeks to reach an outcome. That’s
around nine months of uncertainty for families and most importantly, for children.
These figures underline the importance of highlighting mediation as a practical alternative
to court. Court proceedings can often be lengthy, expensive and emotionally draining,
whereas through mediation many families are able to reach agreement long before a first
court hearing would even be listed, enabling them to move forward more quickly and with
less stress for the family.
In mediation, parents remain in control of their decisions. Rather than having arrangements
imposed by a court, families are supported to have open and balanced conversations and to
reach agreements that work best for them and their children. As mediators, our role is to
hold a safe and structured space, helping you communicate effectively, explore options, and
make informed decisions about the future.
When Mediation May Not Be Suitable
Mediation might not be suitable for every family. There are situations where the boundaries
and protections of the Court are not only necessary but essential for the safety and
wellbeing of children and parents. This is why the MIAM (Mediation Information and
Assessment Meeting) is such a vital first step. During a MIAM, a trained mediator will assess
whether mediation is appropriate and safe in your circumstances, and can help you
understand the next steps, whether through mediation or the court process.
For many families though, mediation can be a positive first step towards rebuilding
communication and creating workable, child-focused arrangements. We also provide
resources and information to support parents between sessions, encouraging reflective
thinking and collaboration.