Mediate Now Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mediation the same as relationship counselling - will the mediator try to get us back together?

No, definitely not. Mediation is the next step people take when they have decided that their marriage or relationship is at an end and they want to sort out all the practical matters which arise on any separation.

Will my partner and I have to sit in the same room together with the mediator?

Usually yes. A major reason why mediation works as a process is because when parties are in the room together they can communicate directly with each other rather than through third party as happens when people use legal services to conclude settlements. This helps to avoid the misunderstanding and distrust between the couple.

We know that meeting face to face can be very difficult for some people and so we can arrange separate waiting areas and different arrival and departure times if required.

Will I get a formal agreement at the end of mediation?

At the end of the process when you have made decisions about a financial settlement/arrangements for the children your Mediator will prepare a mediation summary which will set out in detail the proposals which have been made. Since this itself is not legally binding many people go on to have their financial agreement "rubber stamped" by the court to create a legally binding agreement - their lawyer can do this by a simple and inexpensive postal application to the court.

How much will it cost?

This service charges an hourly rate of £50 per person (no VAT). Most mediations are concluded within 2-4 sessions (often less) each session lasting typically one and a half hours. With mediation you have a much clearer idea of the costs you commit to, more so than when using legal services. This service does not offer publicly funded mediation so if we assess you as eligible for public funding we would offer to refer you to a mediation service offering this.

What do I do to find out more about mediation and to find out if it is right for me?

If you contact the service we will arrange for you to have an initial meeting with a mediator which is free of charge. This meeting lasts for somewhere between half an hour to an hour and is an opportunity for you to hear more about the process and ask any further questions you may have. We know that mediation is a big commitment for clients, both financially and emotionally, so we need to be as sure as possible that mediation is right for them.