Family Mediation

What is family mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process which takes place in a safe, confidential environment which is informal, yet professional. It enables those taking part to reach their own informed decisions following meaningful discussions and negotiation, managed with sensitivity and professionalism. The mediator, who is strictly neutral, assists the couple or other family members to reach decisions that are workable both in the short and the long term. The discussions in mediation are confidential (save for concerns about child protection). Mediation often produces creative, tailored solutions which are likely to lead to more satisfactory arrangements for all concerned.

The Government has recently acknowledged that in comparison to the court process, family mediation is generally cheaper, quicker and less acrimonious. Ultimately it is a process that puts those taking part in control of the decisions that affect their lives, as opposed to having decisions imposed on them by the Court.

At what point in the separation process is family mediation useful?

Mediation can help couples at any stage of their separation. It can be beneficial before a couple have separated, but have decided that they will do so, after a recent separation or in some cases many years later. It can even be helpful once court proceedings have begun.

Important points to note about family mediation

Mediation is voluntary
Mediation is not counselling or relationship therapy
Mediators are impartial
Mediators do not give legal advice; they provide helpful information to enable better solutions to be found
Mediation enables those attending to make the decisions that affect them
Mediation is not suitable for all separated couples. It must be a safe process. If in doubt about this, speak to Adrienne Cox in confidence for further information.

Types of family mediation work undertaken by Devon & Exeter Mediation Practice

Mediation resolving disputes relating to the arrangements for children including parenting plans, finance and property, communication and any other matters that are important following the breakdown of the relationship
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)
Direct consultation with children as part of the mediation process (Child Inclusive Mediation)
Mediation with solicitors or other relevant professionals in attendance

Understanding family mediation video provided by GOV.UK

Testimonials

The mediations sessions that my husband and I received helped us enormously to discuss in an amicable way our finances going forward in our divorce and therefore reaching a settlement amicably. The sessions we received via zoom worked extremely well especially as my husband was then living abroad enabling us to carry on with the process in a manner which didn't instigate relationship tensions which both parties felt developed during negotiations with our respective solicitors.

Adrienne remained professional and sensitive to the upset and trauma that divorce can cause to either party. I felt that her mediation was clear, time efficient and with the ability to diffuse situations which at times became heated in a gentle but controlled manner.

I would most certainly have no hesitation in recommending Adrienne to anyone who unfortunately finds themselves going through a divorce. I would like to add that mediation not only saved my husband and I most certainly large solicitor fees but more than this it has enabled us to separate in an amicable way which at one time felt impossible. After 11 years of marriage this has been a gift in order to remember the good that we had together and not to be bitter because of the nature of the divorce process.

I can't fully express really just how helpful, reassuring and supportive I found working with you to be. You helped me to find a way through such difficult discussions and decisions at such a confusing and vulnerable time. Thank you so very much.

I was really pleased with it. I felt comfortable that we were going through things with a level headed, tactful guide.

I cannot think of any way to improve your service. It was especially tricky through lockdown and the fact that we were able to keep meeting in a safe, supportive and productive way was amazing.

Mediation with you exceeded my expectations. Having had several sessions with a different mediation service, I was apprehensive and actually pretty fearful of how the process would leave me feeling. You always made me feel reassured and I felt that our family was in good hands. Your calm and sensitive approach, along with your considerable expertise was invaluable and I so appreciated your honesty and objectivity. I always felt listened to and that the whole experience was impartial and balanced, with the welfare of the girls at the centre of everything. I would have been happy and confident for you to meet with the girls had we reached that point, knowing that you would be sensitive to them and their needs too.

Thank you so much for all your help and advice. I have found the experience invaluable and still often refer back to some of the things we talked about to guide my decisions and actions.

You were very helpful and approachable and fair. You kept us on track when conversations went off on a tangent & allowed us to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

I would highly recommend Adrienne Cox for any couple who is going through a divorce ( and especially where a young child is involved as was in our situation ). Adrienne is very professional, highly skilled and knowledgeable.

It has been a long road with many ups and downs between myself and my husband but Adrienne has always remained very professional, neutral and very patient. We got there in the end, thanks to Adrienne,with an amicable, healthy relationship between ourselves which is the best outcome possible for our Son and a clearer future for us all.

I was very impressed with your professional service and the way the sessions were conducted in a calm and understanding environment.

I am satisfied and convinced that I couldn't have found a more competent, professional and sympathetic mediator and mediation service than that offered by yourself and your mediation service.

Just to let you know that the consent order has now been approved, the house transferred and the decree of absolute through, so all done and dusted thanks to mediation.

I didn't know what to expect having never been through it before but was very satisfied with your service. I really didn't know where to turn but your service really helped me.

The client reported that the mediation with you was really good. You were understanding but firm and he said he thought they had all come away from mediation feeling progress had been made with them all having compromised.