Family Mediation at Wilsons:

Family Mediation at Wilsons:

At Wilson’s, we are committed to family mediation as a core part of the service we offer.

Family mediation is an alternative to court proceedings and solicitor led negotiation. We are able to combine our exceptional legal knowledge with care and compassion to deliver constructive solutions.

Our mediation meetings can take place in person and/or online, whichever you prefer.

****Please note that if you have already instructed one of our family lawyers to act for you, we will not be able to provide mediation services to you and your partner.

How Does Mediation Work?

Family mediation involves an independent, professionally trained mediator who helps separating couples navigate challenges and disagreements. Family mediation can create a safe space to help you reach an agreement.

Mediation is a voluntary process which the Courts actively encourage. You and your partner meet with a neutral mediator to discuss the issues between you. A family mediator encourages dialogue, helping to clarify issues, explore options and test which will work in practice. If firm proposals are reached, these are recorded in a document which, although not legally binding, can be made into a legally binding agreement if you wish.

Although mediation does not involve the Courts, it is conducted within the framework of family law and as such both you and your partner are expected to give full disclosure of your financial situations if discussing finances.

Children are not automatically involved in mediation, but mediators have a special duty to encourage parents to consider their children’s wishes and feelings.

Our policy is to speak to both parties before arranging appointments for mediation to ensure that you both understand the process.

We will usually then meet you and your partner separately to determine whether mediation is appropriate in your particular case. This is called a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) which is generally required before a party can start Court proceedings in relation to a child or a financial claim on divorce.

Why Use Mediation?

Mediation has a number of advantages:

• Mediation is considerably cheaper than any legal process.

• Almost any family dispute can be resolved; including financial arrangements on separation and divorce, and issues concerning children such as where they will live, how often they will see each parent and their education.

• You remain in control of the situation and the decision-making process. This can lead to longer lasting settlements than those which are imposed upon you by the Courts.

• Mediation is a process which places the welfare and needs of children at the heart of the decision-making process.

• Mediation can take place at any time and at any stage in the legal process. It is rarely too early or too late.

• Mediation can promote discussions and concessions that would not be possible in the Court process. Agreement is, therefore, much more likely.

• The confidential nature of mediation means that it is ideal for those seeking privacy and discretion.

Types of family mediation we offer:

We cover all family issues ranging from divorce and separation to children matters (including where your child might live and contact issues, international relocation of children and schooling) and mediation in relation to pre- and post-nuptial, civil partnership and cohabitation agreements.

Our Mediator:

Alex Byrne is a Mediator at Wilson’s. He qualified as a mediator in January 2023. He is a member of Resolution and is registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC) as working towards accreditation.

In addition to his role as a Mediator, Alex also works as a Solicitor in the Family team. Alex’s experience in family law, in both children and financial matters, is invaluable when helping separating couples in Mediation.

If you wish to find out more about mediation and how it could help you, call us on 0208 808 7535 or email us at family@wilsonllp.co.uk.

FAQ about Mediation at Wilson’s

We appreciate that picking up the telephone to make that first call to enquire about mediation or sending that first email is a big step for anyone embarking on this process.

Below we address common questions about mediation, such as cost, session duration, location, agreements, and what to do if your partner doesn't want to participate.

What’s the cost of mediation?

Our Mediator, Alex Byrne charges £350 per hour, plus VAT (per couple) for mediation.

MIAM’s are charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT, each.  

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a voucher scheme which will provide a contribution of up to £500 towards the mediation costs for eligible cases, supporting people in resolving their family law disputes outside of court, where appropriate. For more information on the Scheme and to find out whether your mediation case might be eligible, click here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme

How long is a session/how many do we need?

Sessions usually last an hour and a half.  On average, between 3 and 5 sessions are usually required.

Do we have to be in the same room?

Not always. We offer mediation by video and shuttle mediation, where each party is in a separate room and the mediator can go between rooms during the mediation.

If we agree things in mediation, is it legally binding?

No. However, any agreement reached in mediation can become legally binding by the terms being made into a Consent Order and ratified by the Court.

What if I want to mediate but my ex doesn’t?

Mediation is a voluntary process and can only take place when both parties are willing to engage with it.

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