Family Mediation North East
Family Mediation North East
CONTACT CENTRES
CONTACT CENTRES
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Pax Mediation, we understand that family mediation may feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. Our Family Mediation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are here to guide you through the process and help you feel confident about taking the next steps.
WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION?
Family mediation is a structured process where an FMCA-accredited family mediator helps families resolve disputes amicably and constructively. Mediation focuses on creating practical, child-centred solutions for issues such as child arrangements, financial settlements, and parenting plans.
​
Learn more about how family mediation works.
WHAT IS A MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first step in the mediation process. It’s a one-on-one meeting where you’ll discuss your situation with a mediator, learn about mediation, and determine whether it’s the right approach for you.
​
-
Do I need to attend a MIAM? Yes, in most cases, a MIAM is a legal requirement before applying to court for orders such as child arrangements or financial disputes.
​
Book your MIAM today to get started.
WHAT ISSUES CAN BE ADDRESSED IN MEDIATION?
Mediation can help resolve a wide range of family disputes, including:
​
-
Child arrangements, such as custody, visitation schedules, and parenting plans.
-
Financial matters, including dividing property, savings, and pensions.
-
Communication breakdowns between separated parents or family members.
​​
Explore our child mediation services here.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We provide mediation services for property disputes, financial matters, and family issues, including specialised co-parenting support to help parents create a collaborative plan for raising their children.
DO I NEED TO BE IN THE SAME ROOM?
Not necessarily. We offer both:
​
-
Face-to-face mediation in separate rooms (shuttle mediation) if needed.
-
Online mediation via Zoom for clients who prefer not to meet in person.
​​
Our mediators ensure that the process feels safe and comfortable for all parties.
​
Learn more about our online mediation options here.
CAN I GET LEGAL AID FOR MEDIATION?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, Legal Aid can cover the cost of your mediation sessions, including the initial MIAM.
​
-
Who is eligible for Legal Aid? Legal Aid is available for those on certain benefits or with low income and limited savings. You’ll need to provide proof of your financial circumstances to apply.
​​
Check your Legal Aid eligibility here.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION OVER GOING TO COURT?
Mediation is a faster, more cost-effective, and less stressful alternative to court. It encourages cooperation and communication, helping families reach agreements tailored to their specific needs.
​
-
Key benefits include:
-
Child-focused solutions.
-
Flexible and private discussions.
-
Lower financial and emotional costs compared to court.
​​
Find out why mediation works here.
HOW LONG DOES MEDIATION TAKE?
The length of the mediation process depends on the complexity of the issues. Most families reach an agreement after 2-4 sessions, with each session lasting 1-2 hours.
​
Contact us to discuss your mediation options.
CAN I BE SURE IT'S CONFIDENTIAL?
Confidentiality is a strongly held principle of mediation. Mediation is entirely voluntary. You will not be put under any pressure to proceed and, in the event that your situation is not suitable for mediation, we will not give out information to the other party or to a court that leads you to be blamed or penalised for a decision not to proceed. Mediation is also legally privileged. This means that where mediation does take place, the discussions you have and any arrangements you propose or test out cannot later be relied upon in court proceedings unless you both agree.
WHAT IS MEDIATION DOESN'T WORK?
If mediation isn’t suitable or doesn’t result in an agreement, your mediator can provide the necessary documentation (such as a C100 form or FormA) to apply to court.
​
Learn about MIAMs and court applications here.
WHAT IS DIVORCE MEDIATION AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Divorce mediation is a structured process where an impartial mediator helps separating or divorcing couples communicate effectively to resolve disputes and reach mutually agreeable decisions. It focuses on collaborative problem-solving and can cover various aspects such as financial arrangements, property division, and child agreements.
​
Learn more here.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIVORCE MEDIATION?
-
Cost-Effective: Mediation is typically much less expensive than court proceedings.
-
Time-Saving: Mediation often resolves disputes faster than the lengthy court process.
-
Control: People retain control over the decisions rather than leaving them to a judge.
-
Less Stressful: The process is less adversarial, focusing on cooperation rather than conflict.
-
Confidentiality: Unlike court cases, mediation discussions remain private.
-
Better Outcomes for Children: Mediation prioritises the best interests of children, fostering a co-parenting arrangement that works for both parties.
-
Preserves Relationships: It promotes respectful communication, reducing animosity and improving post-divorce interactions.
HOW MUCH DOES DIVORCE MEDIATION COST?
The cost of mediation varies depending on the number of sessions and the complexity of the issues. However, Legal Aid may cover your costs if you qualify.
​
View our mediation fees here.
HOW IS PAX MEDIATION REGULATED?
At Pax Mediation, we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability to provide trusted, high-quality mediation services.
​
Legal Aid Agency Regulation. As a provider of legally aided mediation, we are strictly regulated and regularly audited by the Legal Aid Agency. This ensures our services meet stringent quality and compliance standards, giving clients peace of mind.
​
Family Mediation Council Accreditation (FMC). All our mediators are Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA), the gold standard in family mediation. This accreditation means:
-
Mediators have completed rigorous training and assessment.
-
They operate under the FMC’s Codes of Practice, which ensure professionalism and ethical conduct.
-
They engage in regular professional supervision and ongoing development to maintain their expertise.
We strongly encourage clients to choose a mediator who holds the FMCA qualification to ensure the highest standard of service.
Help and Support for Separated Families (HSSF) Mark. Pax Mediation has been awarded the Help and Support for Separated Families (HSSF) Mark, a recognition we’ve proudly held for several years. This independent certification demonstrates our commitment to helping parents work collaboratively to create constructive arrangements for their children.
​
Complaints Procedure. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you’re not happy with the service you’ve received, our detailed complaints procedure is available below. We value your feedback and are committed to addressing concerns swiftly and professionally.
​
Learn more about our complaints process here.
HOW MUCH DOES MEDIATION COST?
The cost of mediation varies depending on the number of sessions and the complexity of the issues. However, Legal Aid may cover your costs if you qualify.
​
View our mediation fees here.
WHY CHOOSE PAX MEDIATION?
-
Experienced Team: All our mediators are FMCA-accredited with extensive experience in family mediation.
-
Flexible Options: We offer online and in-person sessions to suit your preferences.
-
Accessible Services: Legal Aid is available for eligible clients, making mediation affordable for everyone.
Take the First Step Towards Resolution
Still have questions about family mediation? Contact Pax Mediation today, and our team will be happy to assist you. Whether you’re exploring options for child arrangements, financial settlements, or parenting plans, we’re here to guide you through the process.
​
Contact Us