When a relationship breaks down and there is a lot to resolve, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. You may be dealing with the family home, pensions, a business, investments, financial support or complicated arrangements for children. Many people assume mediation is only suitable for straightforward situations, but that is not always the case.
In short, mediation can still be suitable when there are several issues to resolve, provided it is safe and appropriate for both people. The process is designed to help you break things down, understand your options and work through decisions one step at a time.
Can Mediation Help With Complex Separation Issues?
At Vollans Mediation, some of the most successful outcomes we have seen have involved the kind of complexity that people often assume rules mediation out.
This may include financial cases involving businesses, property portfolios, pensions or significant assets. It may also include child arrangements involving blended families, international considerations or strongly held disagreements.
In these situations, having a skilled, neutral mediator to guide the conversation can make an enormous difference. Mediation gives you a structured process, so you do not have to try to resolve everything at once.
Mediation also does not mean sitting in the same room if that feels unsafe, uncomfortable or impossible. We offer online appointments and shuttle mediation, where you are both in separate spaces, so the process can be adapted to what works best for you.
What Happens At A MIAM?
The process starts with a MIAM, which stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a one-to-one meeting with your mediator, where we talk through your situation, explain your options and consider whether mediation is the right route.
Many people are required to attend a MIAM before making certain family court applications, unless an exemption applies. However, the meeting is also a useful opportunity to ask questions and understand what might happen next.
There is no pressure and no commitment to continue at this stage.
What Does The Mediation Process Look Like?
If you decide to proceed, joint mediation sessions are structured around the issues that need to be resolved. We work at your pace and focus on one stage at a time, so the process feels more manageable.
After each session, we prepare written summaries, so you have a record of what has been discussed and where things stand. This can help you keep track of progress, especially when there are several financial, practical or child-related matters to consider.
What Issues Can Family Mediation Cover?
Family mediation can help you discuss and work through a wide range of issues, including:
- What happens to the family home, including sale, transfer or deferred arrangements
- Division of Pensions, Savings, and Investments
- Business assets and valuations
- Child arrangements, including where children live and how time is shared
- Ongoing financial support
- Any other matters you need to resolve
The exact focus will depend on your circumstances. For some couples, the main issue is financial. For others, the priority is making workable arrangements for children. Often, there is a mixture of both.
Is Mediation Cheaper Than Going To Court?
Instructing solicitors and making an application to court in relation to financial arrangements can cost £10,000 to £20,000 each, with some people being quoted as much as £40,000.
Mediation typically costs a fraction of that. It is also usually faster and allows you to stay more in control of the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
If you would like to understand the costs involved in mediation with our service, they can be found here.
When Might Mediation Not Be Suitable?
Mediation is not right for every situation. If there are safety concerns, significant power imbalances or other issues that may make mediation inappropriate, we will always discuss this with you honestly at the MIAM stage.
However, for many separating couples, including those with significant complexity, mediation is worth exploring seriously before moving towards court.
What Should We Do Next?
If you are not sure whether mediation is right for your situation, the best thing to do is book a MIAM and have an honest conversation with one of our experienced mediators.
There is no obligation to proceed, and you will leave with a much clearer picture of your options.
Ready to find out more? Call us on 0113 213 3662 or email info@vollansmediation.co.uk