 Family First Mediation have the experience and legal background to help in all Family Mediation and dispute resolution issues. We have conveniently located offices in and around London and are happy to handle both private and legal aid cases.
Family Mediation is a process in which an impartial third person, the mediator, assists those involved in family disputes to make arrangements. This can be as the result of a divorce, separation, the breakdown of same sex relationships or relationships involving other family members. Children can be seen as part of the process.
Mediation can be used where a couple has prenuptial issues or where they are considering separating. The process is managed by the mediator but the issues and concerns are brought by the couple.
The law changed on 6th April 2011 to require all private persons who wish to take a family child, family property or finance matter to court to first attend a mediator for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (a MIAM attendance). The matter is then dealt with by the mediator by checking if the second party wishes to attend for an assessment meeting and if so, mediation will usually follow.
The National Audit Office report of March 2007 on solicitors and mediation gave as a finding that mediation had four advantages over Court hearings. They were that mediation when compared to going through solicitors was significantly kinder to the family, speedier in reaching a conclusion and less costly than going through solicitors. In addition the report stated that an agreement that had been processed through mediation was more long lasting and secure from applications to vary than a Court decision.
If a mediator finds that the MIAM is unsuccessful, only the mediator and not solicitors can issue a MIAM Form to allow a solicitor to send the matter to Court. This Form is termed an FM1 (a Family Mediation 1 Form).
Under current legislation, if clients are on a low income they are very likely to qualify for free mediation.
Family First have a franchise to do legal aid work and grant legal aid. Potential clients often make Family First their first professional call.
Things to remember about Family First Mediation Service... |
 | Couples or other family members involved in a family breakdown are helped to explore issues and concerns, and reach their own joint decisions with the help of the mediator. |
| We help couples and family members improve and develop communication skills with their families. |
| Mediation can be started before a couple separate, during a divorce, during proceedings in relation to children and financial issues and after any court order has been made. |
| Mediation can involve members of a family other than a couple, such as former partners, new partners, grandparents, step-parents and children.
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Clients can always return should any new problem need attention.
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When mediation ends, the mediator may put any agreed proposals and understandings into writing.
If the issues involve finance, the mediator will prepare documents setting out the clients' full financial circumstances and proposals.
Clients will be encouraged to get legal advice when that is needed. This might be during the mediation process or when it is successfully resolved. Solicitors will then, upon a client's request, draw up a 'consent order' to place before a Judge.
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