Mediation

What is Family Mediation?

Mediation is a process where two people can meet in a safe neutral place to talk about and negotiate any issues, such as childcare arrangements or financial disputes, following on from their separation or divorce. Mediation is a cheaper, quicker and less stressful option than attending court.

What Issues can Mediation Help Solve?

We can help you with a variety of issues, such as:

• Arrangements for the children including:
  • Time spent with each parent
  • Co-parenting
  • Special occasions, such as holidays, Christmas and birthdays. 
  • School pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Introducing a new partner into your child's life

• Issues around the property and finance including:
  • What happens to the house we shared?
  • What about our savings and other assets?
  • What about our debts?
  • What about our pensions?

No matter how big or small you think an issue may be, we want to help you and your family move on.

How Much does Mediation Cost?

If you qualify for legal aid, family mediation services will come at no cost. If your ex-partner is eligible for legal aid in relation to family mediation, you'll receive your mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM) and first joint mediation for free, and for any other sessions we can apply for the government voucher scheme to cover the cost. If you are not legally aided, your session may be covered by the £500 Mediation Voucher launched by the Ministry of Justice. You can read more about the £500 voucher scheme here. Our individual mediation sessions, including admin and documentation, costs £120.

Where can I find out more about Mediation?

You can learn more about mediation or make a referral by visiting Tees Valley Mediation.

 

Benefits of Mediation

• Less Stressful: Mediation provides a calmer, more controlled environment than court battles, reducing emotional strain.
• Cost-Effective: Mediation is much cheaper than court fees, and you may even be eligible to attend mediation for free!
• Faster Resolution: Mediation often leads to quicker agreements compared to court processes.
• Control: You and the other party retain control over decisions, not a judge.
• Confidential: Discussions in mediation are confidential, encouraging open communication.
• Flexible: Mediation can be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, as we provide both face-to-face sessions or via Zoom.