Grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren
One of the common misconceptions surrounding family law is that grandparents have an inherent or automatic right to see or
Family mediation: resolve family disputes without court
When family relationships become strained, mediation can help you have calmer, more constructive conversations about the issues that matter most.
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Overview
Family mediation for separation, financial and family disputes
A positive approach to family conflicts
Family disagreements can be stressful and emotionally draining, whether they involve finances, separation, the family business or disputes over a will. When communication breaks down, finding a way forward without legal action can feel impossible. Family mediation offers a calmer, supportive alternative, helping families resolve conflicts constructively.
Mediation can reduce stress, improve communication and make family dispute resolution more manageable, providing practical solutions without going to court.
What does a family mediator do?
A family mediator is usually a trained and experienced legal professional who acts as a neutral third party. Their role is to help both people feel heard, keep discussions focused and support more productive conversations. The mediator will:
- Create a safe environment for both parties to meet, discuss their differences and understand one another’s point of view.
- Help both parties understand and focus on the key issues that are causing the disagreement.
- Allow both sides to make their case, being careful to avoid blame for the situation.
- Suggest options to reach a realistic agreement.
- Maintain confidentiality, so that all discussions are private and kept between both parties and the mediator.
Why do families choose mediation instead of court?
When communication has broken down, mediation can help families have more constructive conversations and avoid the stress of court proceedings.
- Mediation can help reduce confrontation, by focusing on good communication and fostering understand between family members involved in the dispute.
- You stay involved in the decision-making process, rather than having decisions imposed by the court. Mediation is often faster and less costly that going through the courts. The process can take weeks as opposed to months.
- Mediation is often faster and less costly that going through the courts. The process can take weeks as opposed to months.
How we can help
Our family law team has experts who are both experienced mediators and qualified solicitors. You’ll receive calm, practical support from experienced family mediators who understand how emotionally difficult family disputes can become.We also offer a mediation service for couples who want to divorce.
View our fixed-fee family law consultation page – we offer compassionate, expert guidance from an experienced solicitor, focused on you and your next steps.
Tees is deeply committed to their clients and the family team at Tees is led by dedicated and committed partners whose professionalism percolates through the whole department.
How does the family mediation process work?
- Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): during this initial meeting, the mediator will speak separately with both parties in a confidential discussion. The mediator will take time to understand your concerns, what has led to the disagreement and what you both hope to achieve. The meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the mediation process and understand whether mediation feels like the right approach for your family.
- Joint mediation sessions: if the mediator thinks mediation is suitable and the parties agree to go ahead, the joint mediation process can start. Sometimes the participants choose to have legal representation during these sessions, which is known as “solicitor assisted mediation”. It is always advisable to take independent legal advice alongside mediation. The joint meetings usually involve three to six sessions depending on the complexity of the case.
- Consensus and documents: once you’ve reached a consensus, the mediator will draft documents summarising the agreement. These documents are not legally binding so will then be converted into a legal document that is approved by a judge in court.
Support with family mediation and dispute resolution
Our family mediation legal team can help you with the following:
- Marital disagreements
- Separations
- Child custody
- Finances
- Probate issues
- Conflicts within a family business
If you are married and considering divorce, our mediators also offer divorce mediation.
Contact us today
Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
Telephone
Legal and financial advice
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services for all your family law requirements, from divorce mediation to court appearances, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
We have a team of in-house independent financial advisers who work closely with our lawyers to deliver all the advice you need. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for all the advice we give.
We’re here to help
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
- Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
- Essex: Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
- Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and North Herts
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
When relationships break down, disagreements about children, finances and the family home can quickly become stressful and expensive. Family mediation offers a calmer, more constructive alternative to court, helping separating couples work through difficult decisions with the support of a neutral professional.
In this guide, we explain how family mediation works, when it may be appropriate, what the process involves and the benefits it can offer families. Read on to discover how mediation can help you reach practical agreements while reducing conflict, time and cost.
Our experience in family mediation
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Key people
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Frequently asked questions
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Family mediation FAQs
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process where an independent mediator helps separating couples resolve issues such as divorce, finances, and child arrangements without going to court. Mediation in England and Wales often forms part of the legal process before court proceedings are started.
At Tees Law, mediation is provided by experienced solicitor-mediators.
What is a solicitor-mediator?
A solicitor-mediator is a qualified family law solicitor who is also trained as an accredited mediator. This means they can provide accurate legal information during mediation and explain how the courts in England and Wales are likely to approach specific issues.
Is a solicitor-mediator neutral and impartial?
Yes. A solicitor-mediator must remain impartial and does not act for either party. Their role is to facilitate discussions fairly and help both participants reach informed, workable agreements.
Can a mediator give legal advice?
A mediator cannot give legal advice to either party. However, a solicitor-mediator can provide general legal information and explain court procedures, helping discussions remain realistic and focused.
Is mediation suitable for complex finances?
Yes. Solicitor-mediators are well placed to help with complex financial matters such as pensions, business interests, bonuses, RSUs, and trusts. This can make mediation more effective and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Can mediation help with child arrangements?
Yes. Mediation can help parents agree arrangements for their children, including living arrangements and time spent with each parent. Mediators focus on reducing conflict and promoting the child’s best interests.
Is mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding until formalised. A Memorandum of Understanding can be converted into a consent order and approved by the court in England and Wales.
Do I have to try mediation before going to court?
In most cases, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court, unless an exemption applies.
Why choose Tees Law for family mediation?
Tees Law offers legally informed mediation delivered by solicitor-mediators who combine empathy with practical expertise, helping families reach clear, sustainable outcomes.
