At Straw & Pearce we recognise the benefits both in terms of emotional wellbeing and costs of resolving matters out of court. Whilst as solicitors our primary role is to advise and assist on the court process and your legal rights, we can also assist in terms of considering with you the other options that might be open to resolve your matter, avoiding the court process. 

In particular the courts do now insist on mediation being considered and, where appropriate utilised, before the issuing of a private family law application (child arrangements and/or financial order,) unless you fall into one of the exemption categories. Mediation can also be helpful if seeking a pre-nuptial, post-nuptial or cohabitation agreement.

We can both signpost you to a mediation specialist if, we are advising you on the matter but at Straw & Pearce we also have  a qualified mediator, Pramila Meghani who has extensive experience in resolving disputes across the full spectrum of family matters and can mediate family issues between you and the other party whether a direct referral form you or a referral from your solicitor.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that helps people in dispute reach an agreement without going to court. A trained, impartial mediator assists all parties to communicate openly, explore options, and find practical solutions that work for everyone involved. If agreement can be reached at mediation, any agreement can be recorded in a legal document by consent and where appropriate ratified by the Court.

Why consider mediation?

Mediation is confidential; any discussions at mediation cannot be shared outside of mediation or used in the court process. The mediator cannot impose decisions or take sides, their role is to navigate you to better understand the position of each other in the hope of reaching an agreement that is acceptable to you both. Whilst the mediation process is confidential, you can share the experience of mediation with your lawyer during the process to enable them to advise you at each stage in the hope of resolving matters.

Whilst participation in mediation is voluntary and either party can withdraw from the mediation process at any stage, it is actively encouraged by the Court.

Unlike court proceedings, your attendance at mediation offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling appointments around busy lifestyles and, if both parties are committed to the mediation process, it is usually a more cost-effective approach than court proceedings.

By utilising mediation there is often a quicker outcome achieved, the process can be less stressful than court and, it encourages open, respectful communication which helps preserve ongoing relationships in the future, particularly relevant when ongoing co-parenting is required.

Mediation also means those involved stay in control of the outcome and it can also offer when agreed, more flexible arrangements better suited to meet the needs of the individuals involved than, the court process is likely to impose.

The Mediation Process

Below is a general outline of the mediation process:

1. Initial Contact – The mediator explains how mediation works and assesses suitability.
2. Individual Meetings – Each party has a private meeting with the mediator.
3. Joint Sessions – Parties meet together to discuss issues in a structured and supported way.
4. Agreement – When a resolution is reached, it can be recorded in writing (sometimes called a Memorandum of Understanding).
5. Follow-up – Agreements can be made legally binding if both parties wish.

Our Mediation Service

At Straw & Pearce, our accredited mediator, Pramila Meghani has extensive experience in resolving disputes across the full spectrum of family matters. In providing this service she provides:

• Professional and impartial mediation
• Online and in-person sessions
• Transparent fees and flexible scheduling
• Will only provide mediation if appropriate in your case.

We can confirm the fee for a joint mediation session is  £200 plus VAT (total £240) usually paid equally between the parties. 

The fee for Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is £138 paid by the party requesting the MIAM. 

Please note however we do not provide legally aided mediation.

To find out more about mediation and our mediation services, get in touch today.