Family mediation: conversations worth having

When relationships break down, families face a lot of challenges. Among these are practical considerations such as “What arrangements will be best for any children?” and “What will happen with finances?” Professional family mediators act as neutral third parties to help ex-partners have conversations about these issues. Survey results just published show that this is a highly successful way of helping couples resolve disputes, with mediation successful in over 70% of cases.

The survey also shows that where both of the people separating go and see a mediator for an initial meeting, three quarters choose to go on to mediate. This is despite the fact that many don’t know anything about mediation, or think their partner is so unreasonable that mediation will never work.

John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council said: ‘It is not surprising that so many people who attend a first meeting with a mediator choose to go on to mediate. The meeting (sometimes called a “Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting”, or “MIAM”) provides people with an opportunity to find out what family mediation is, how it might work for them and the practicalities and costs involved, as well as the alternatives if they choose not to mediate. Once people realise that family mediation is less expensive than being represented in court proceedings, as well as being less stressful and quicker than the court process, most realise it is a conversation worth having.’

Family mediator Martha Monday from Global Mediation agrees, saying ’Mediation offers couples/families the opportunity to explore a wide range of options within a safe environment. They are able to listen to and acknowledge each other’s points of view in a way not possible in litigation, and the mediator is able to guide them through a process which is flexible and comprehensive, enabling them to deal both with financial matters and any issues relating to their children.’

To contact Global Mediation to find out more about how family mediation can help you and your family, please call us on 0208 441 1355 or send an email: info@globalmediation.co.uk

To find another local family mediator, visit: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/

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Note:

1. The Family Mediation Council (FMC) is a not-for-profit organisation. Its aim is to promote the use of family mediation for the benefit of the public. It does not offer mediation itself.

2. The Family Mediation Standards Board maintains a professional register of family mediators on behalf of the FMC, which lists mediators who meet the FMC’s professional standards. Registered mediators have all been trained in family mediation, adhere to the FMC’s Code of Practice, are insured, are supported by a Professional Practice Consultant, carry out continuing professional development, and have complaints procedures in place. Members of the public can search for an FMC Registered Mediator here: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/

3. The FMC surveyed 122 FMC-registered family mediators in Autumn 2019, who had carried out mediation in 2161 cases over a six-month period. It found that those who participated in mediation succeeded in reaching complete or partial agreement in over 70% of cases, with 50% of people reaching a complete, written agreement, and the remaining 20% reaching an agreement on some issues, or on all issues, but choosing for this not to be written down.

4. The survey results were published on 16.1.19.