When a relationship ends or a family disagreement arises, going to court is not always the best way to find a solution. Family mediation provides a more constructive environment where you can discuss the issues that matter to you and work towards practical agreements for the future.
Our family mediation lawyers in Maidstone support separating couples and parents who want to resolve issues including finances and arrangements for children with the help of an experienced, impartial mediator.
Whitehead Monckton’s family law team understands that these conversations are not always easy. Our approach is supportive, practical and focused on helping you find a way forward that works for you and your family.
Please note that we do not offer a Legal Aid service.
If you would like to speak with one of our mediation solicitors in Maidstone today, you can get in touch on 01622 698000, or complete our online enquiry form.
Mediation gives you the opportunity to discuss and resolve family issues outside the traditional court environment.
Rather than having decisions imposed upon you, mediation allows you to remain involved in finding solutions that reflect your family’s individual circumstances. An impartial mediator facilitates discussions, helps identify the issues that need to be resolved and supports you both as you explore possible ways forward.
For many families, mediation services can provide:
Mediation is not suitable for every family or every situation. Our experienced team can help you understand whether it may be appropriate for your circumstances and explain other options where necessary.
Our Maidstone office has an experienced family lawyer with specialist mediation expertise, helping separating couples and families find constructive ways to resolve disagreements outside court wherever appropriate.
Susi is an Accredited Mediator with more than 20 years of dedicated family law experience. Her expertise includes mediation, divorce and separation, matrimonial finances and child arrangements, and she is also trained in collaborative law and the One Couple/One Lawyer approach.
Family mediation can be used to discuss many of the practical issues that arise following divorce or separation.
Mediation can help separating couples discuss how their finances should be dealt with, including property, savings, pensions, debts and other assets.
The mediator does not make decisions for you or provide individual legal advice. Instead, they help you identify the issues that need to be addressed and facilitate discussions as you work towards an agreement.
Parents can use mediation to discuss child arrangements, including where children will live, the time they spend with each parent, holidays and other important aspects of their lives.
Mediation can provide a constructive setting for these conversations, helping parents focus on workable arrangements and the needs of their children.
Mediation may also be appropriate for other issues arising from separation or changing family circumstances. At your initial meeting, your mediator can discuss what you need to resolve and whether mediation is suitable.
The first step will usually be an individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
This gives you an opportunity to speak privately with a mediator about your circumstances, understand how mediation works and consider whether it is an appropriate option for you.
If mediation is suitable and both parties wish to proceed, mediation sessions can then be arranged. These discussions are facilitated by the mediator, who remains impartial and does not take either person’s side.
Sessions can be adapted according to your circumstances. This may include meeting together or, where appropriate, being in separate rooms with the mediator moving between you.
You remain responsible for the decisions you make. The mediator’s role is to support productive discussions and help you explore possible solutions.
Although our family mediation solicitors understand the legal issues that can arise during separation, the mediator’s role is different from that of your individual family solicitor.
A mediator remains impartial and cannot give either person individual legal advice during mediation.
You may therefore benefit from having your own solicitor alongside the mediation process. They can advise you on your legal position, help you understand the implications of proposed arrangements and, where appropriate, assist with turning an agreement reached through mediation into a legally binding court order.
If you are taking part in mediation elsewhere, Whitehead Monckton’s wider family law team in Maidstone can provide independent legal advice alongside the process, helping you understand your legal position and the implications of any proposed agreement. Please note that we cannot provide both mediation and independent legal advice within the firm for the same matter.
There is more than one way to resolve a family dispute.
Mediation is one of several options available to separating couples and families. If it is unsuitable for your circumstances or does not lead to an agreement, this does not automatically mean you have to enter lengthy contested court proceedings.
Whitehead Monckton’s family law team can also advise on:
Our family law team can help you understand the different options and decide which approach is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Our family lawyers regularly share their expertise on issues affecting individuals, couples and families. You may find the following useful:
Yes. Mediation is commonly used by separated parents to discuss child arrangements, including where children live, the time they spend with each parent and arrangements for school holidays. The mediator helps facilitate discussions rather than making decisions for you.
Not necessarily. Mediation sessions can be adapted to your circumstances. Depending on what is appropriate, discussions may take place together or separately, with the mediator moving between you.
No. A family mediator remains impartial and does not provide individual legal advice to either person. You can obtain independent advice from your own family solicitor alongside mediation to help you understand your legal position and the implications of any proposed agreement.
If you are separating, need to resolve arrangements for your children or are trying to reach an agreement about finances, family mediation may offer a constructive way forward.
Our team providing family mediation in Maidstone will take the time to understand your circumstances and help you work towards practical, constructive solutions for the future.
Contact Whitehead Monckton’s Maidstone family team today to arrange an initial consultation and find out how we can support you.
