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FAMILY LAW SERVICES

Mediation
Services

Family disagreements, particularly during a divorce or separation, can feel impossible to resolve. Disputes over finances, property, and children need careful handling to avoid further conflict. Mediation provides a neutral setting where both parties can work with an independent mediator to discuss issues. It offers a calm space to reach agreements without going to court. Mediation is designed to keep communication open and respectful, helping everyone involved to move forward with clarity and understanding.

Mediation Services Guide

Simply click on a heading below to find out more.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process led by an independent mediator trained in conflict resolution. The mediator works with both parties to help them communicate effectively, understand each other’s concerns, and agree on practical solutions for moving forward. Mediation is particularly beneficial for resolving a wide range of disputes, including:

Finances, Assets & Property
Family and Children matters (including grandparents' rights)
Cohabitation disputes
Divorce and separation
& much more

Mediation provides a collaborative alternative to court.

The mediator remains neutral throughout, facilitating discussions without taking sides or imposing decisions.

The aim is to reach mutually acceptable agreements that allow both parties to feel confident about their next steps. Since mediation is confidential, it also encourages openness and honesty in a way that formal court proceedings often do not.

Mediation can be effective at any stage of a divorce or separation and can even be helpful before legal proceedings begin. It’s often used when:

Dividing finances or assets: Working through complex financial arrangements, especially when there are joint assets or debts.
Agreeing on childcare arrangements: Ensuring that both parties are involved in decisions affecting children’s custody and visitation schedules.
Preventing conflict escalation: Addressing issues early can prevent them from developing into larger disputes that require court intervention.

Grandparents who wish to maintain contact with grandchildren can also benefit from mediation. In some cases, if contact is being withheld, mediation may help resolve these conflicts without going to court.

The courts generally expect couples to consider mediation before taking family disputes to court, especially in cases involving children. Mediation is often required as a first step in these instances, with both parties attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before court proceedings. Since court proceedings are usually more time-consuming, costly, and adversarial, mediation is often the preferred path to reach a cooperative solution.

Benefits of mediation

Choosing mediation over court proceedings offers multiple benefits:

Cost-effective: Mediation is generally more affordable than court, helping both parties save on legal fees.
Faster resolutions: Mediation sessions can be scheduled more flexibly, allowing for quicker resolutions than traditional court processes.
Reduced conflict: The process encourages cooperative dialogue, reducing hostility and supporting better communication, especially important in co-parenting situations.
Control over outcomes: Mediation allows both parties to shape the final agreement, giving them more control than they would have in court.
Confidentiality: All discussions in mediation are private, which promotes openness and helps maintain family privacy.

Expert mediation services with compassion

While we don’t provide direct mediation services, we work with trusted, independent mediation partners who prioritise empathy, professionalism, and a respectful approach to resolving family issues.

Our role is to ensure that you’re fully supported throughout the mediation process, from preparing for initial sessions to formalising any agreements.

By referring you to trusted mediators, Frodshams ensures you receive both impartial guidance and our ongoing support to help reach practical, lasting agreements.

Our mediation partners offer:

The mediators we work with operate independently, remaining neutral and focused on finding a balanced solution that works for everyone involved.

All mediation discussions are private, ensuring that conversations remain secure and discreet.

Our mediation partners are committed to understanding and supporting each person’s perspective, helping reduce stress and making the experience as constructive as possible.

HEATHER BROADFIELD

HEAD OF FAMILY LAW

TO CONTACT HEATHER PLEASE
CALL01744 626 600
EMAILinfo@frodshams.co.uk

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“Our goal is to simplify the process and ease your stress so you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.”

Our team have many years of experience in helping clients and their families navigate the legal process during some of life’s most challenging and difficult times. Led by our Head of Family Law, Heather Broadfield, our Family Law department handles even the most challenging and intricate cases with professionalism and care. We are here to provide guidance and expertise every step of the way.

TO CONTACT HEATHER PLEASE CALL01744 626 600
EMAILinfo@frodshams.co.uk

To find out more, speak to us on
01744 626 600 or email

“Heather explained every step of the way and prepared me incredibly well for each hearing. She supported both me and my family throughout a very difficult time.”

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Mediation Services

Mediation Services Guide

What is mediation?

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER MEDIATION?

DO I HAVE TO GO TO MEDIATION BEFORE COURT?

Understanding the mediation process

1. INITIAL DISCUSSIONS

2. TAILORED SESSIONS

3. AGREEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION

Benefits of mediation

Expert mediation services with compassion

Our mediation partners offer:

Frequently asked mediation services questions

HOW CAN MEDIATION HELP DURING A DIVORCE?

WHO PAYS FOR MEDIATION?

IS MEDIATION ALWAYS REQUIRED?

Mediation
Services