We are a young, innovative firm dealing with all aspects of family law and now introducing Family Mediation Services. Mediation is an entirely voluntary process, and therein lies the beauty of it: you cannot force anybody to mediate. However, the Government is strongly encouraging people to learn about mediation. From 6th April 2011, a protocol was set in place where seperating the couples assess whether mediation would be a better way of solving their disputes than battling them in a court. This is part of the Governments plan to reduce pressures on the family court system.

Anybody who now wants to start court proceedings in a family matter, either relating to children or finances on divorce is required to attend an introductory meeting – a ‘mediation information and assessment meeting’ (MIAM), which will explain about the process of mediation, and seek to determine whether the case might be suitable for mediation.