Family Mediation

Separation doesn’t have to lead to confrontation and a day (or more in Court!). At Slade Legal, we offer mediation as a supportive, structured way to help separating couples resolve matters calmly and constructively, while avoiding the strain, delay, and cost of court.

How does Mediation Work?

At Slade Legal you will be invited to attend an individual MIAM meeting. This is a mediation information and assessment meeting and is the first step in the mediation process. MIAMs usually last one hour, and we offer these for a fixed fee.

This first meeting is an opportunity for you to tell the mediator about your situation, your priorities and your concerns. You can set out the issues that you consider need to be decided. During the meeting the mediator will explain the mediation process but also talk to you about the other options for reaching agreements so that you can choose the right process for you. The mediator can also provide further information about other services and organisations, which may also be able to provide you with help and support.

If you have children over the age of 10, the mediator will also discuss how your children’s wishes and feelings may also be taken into account.

At the end of the meeting, the mediator will tell you whether your situation is suitable for mediation, and if it is you can then decide whether you want to proceed with mediation or choose another process.

If both of you agree to mediation, a joint mediation meeting will be scheduled. Our mediator will help manage to facilitate the conversation between you both, to enable you both to reach practical solutions which work for both of you and if you are parents, for your children. You will probably have several sessions together with the mediator – three to five one-to-two-hour sessions are common. You can consult your own lawyer at any time, in parallel or during the mediation process, to take legal advice on what is best for you.

When you are both satisfied with the proposals you have reached, your mediator can prepare a summary of those proposals, for you to share with your lawyer, who will then complete the legal formalities of turning your proposals into an Order.

Guided by expertise

Karen Newman, our experienced consultant family solicitor, collaborative lawyer and mediator, leads our mediation services. With warmth, professionalism and a focus on solutions, Karen helps you both to navigate the complex emotional and practical aspects of separation and the arrangements for children with clarity and confidence.

What is family mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process where a trained, independent, impartial, neutral mediator assists separating couples in reaching agreement on key issues such as child arrangements, financial settlements, and future communication - always in a confidential, respectful environment.

The benefits of mediation

Child-focused: Prioritises the wellbeing of your children.
Less stressful: Encourages communication, seeks to minimise conflict.
Flexible and discreet: Timetabled to suit you, in a private setting, designed and tailored to your needs. Meetings can take place online or in person. You do not have to be in the same space as each other, if you or the mediator decides that working with you both in separate spaces would be preferable.
Quicker: Mediation is often quicker than going to court.
Cost-effective: Mediation is significantly less expensive than going to court and can save you money.
Tailored discussions: You both decide what you want to discuss. Mediation can also assist when arrangements you have made before need to change, especially as children grow up.
Tailored outcomes: Agreements can be tailored to your family’s needs, which avoids decisions being imposed on you by a Judge, in court proceedings.
Decision-making control: You both decide the solutions for your family’s needs, and this can include decisions on matters a court would not have court time to consider.
Voluntary: You both choose to attend mediation. If at any stage you do not want to continue with mediation, you can choose to end the process.

Here to help you move forward

Our dedicated mediators will listen to find out what is important to you, to help you to make decisions about the best way forward for your family, with empathy and support.

Family breakdown is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be adversarial. With the right support, you can find a clear and constructive way forward.

Contact Karen Newman and our Family Law team today to explore whether mediation is right for you. We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions for your future.

Telephone 01235 521920 or email karen.newman@slade-legal.co.uk

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