Helping Families Make Decisions and Move Forward
Separation and family change can create difficult decisions about children, finances, property and future arrangements.
Resolvu provides family mediation, Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings and Child Inclusive Mediation. Our family mediators provide a safe and structured process in which participants can discuss the issues, consider practical options and work towards arrangements they can each accept.
Book a MIAM
Make a Family Mediation Enquiry
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process in which an impartial mediator helps family members discuss the issues arising from separation, divorce or changes in family circumstances.
The mediator supports communication and negotiation but does not make decisions, impose an outcome or provide legal advice. The participants remain responsible for the decisions affecting themselves and their family.
Mediation can address arrangements for children, finances and property, either separately or together.
Family Mediation Services
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, commonly known as a MIAM, is a confidential individual meeting with a family mediator.
The meeting provides an opportunity to explain your circumstances, learn about family mediation and other available options, and consider whether mediation may be suitable. The mediator will also assess safety, suitability and any arrangements needed to support effective participation.
Attending a MIAM does not require you to continue to mediation.
Child Arrangements Mediation
Parents can use mediation to discuss practical arrangements for their children following separation or when existing arrangements need to change.
Discussions may include:
- Where the children will live
- When they will spend time with each parent
- School holidays and special occasions
- Education and health matters
- Travel and communication arrangements
- Introducing new partners or family members
- Communication and shared parenting
- Changes to existing arrangements
The focus remains on the needs and wellbeing of the children while recognising the responsibilities and circumstances of each parent.
Financial and Property Mediation
Family mediation can help separating or divorcing couples discuss financial and property matters in a structured setting.
Issues may include:
- The family home and other property
- Savings, investments and debts
- Pensions
- Business interests
- Income and future financial needs
- Personal belongings and household contents
- Financial support
- The practical arrangements following separation
The mediator helps participants identify the matters requiring consideration and supports informed discussion. Participants may obtain independent legal and financial advice before making decisions.
Child Inclusive Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation can give a child or young person an opportunity to speak privately with a mediator who has received specialist training to work directly with children.
The purpose is to give the child a voice, not to ask the child to make decisions or choose between parents. The parents remain responsible for making decisions.
Child Inclusive Mediation will only take place where it is suitable, both parents consent and the child or young person wishes to participate. The mediator will agree with the child what information may be shared with the parents, subject to any safeguarding concerns.
Mediation for Other Family Members
Family mediation may also assist grandparents and other family members where there is disagreement about communication, contact with children or wider family arrangements.
Suitability will be considered during an individual assessment meeting.
How Family Mediation Works
1. Initial Enquiry
Contact Resolvu to arrange a MIAM or discuss the family mediation process.
2. Individual MIAMs
Each participant usually attends a separate confidential meeting with the mediator. The mediator explains the process, listens to the circumstances and assesses whether mediation is suitable.
3. Mediation Arrangements
If mediation is suitable and each participant agrees to proceed, the mediator will arrange the first session. The format will take account of safety, accessibility and the needs of the participants.
4. Mediation Sessions
The mediator helps the participants identify the issues, exchange relevant information, consider options and work towards practical arrangements.
Sessions may take place jointly, separately or through a combination of both formats.
5. Proposals and Next Steps
Where proposals are reached, the mediator may prepare a written record. Participants may obtain independent legal advice about the proposals and any further steps required.
Why Choose Family Mediation?
Make Your Own Decisions
The participants retain control of the outcome rather than asking a court to determine the arrangements.
Focus on the Family
Mediation supports practical decision making and keeps the needs of children at the centre of discussions concerning them.
Communicate Constructively
The mediator manages the conversation and helps participants discuss difficult matters in a clear and respectful way.
Consider Flexible Arrangements
Families can explore arrangements tailored to their circumstances rather than limiting the discussion to a narrow range of outcomes.
Adapt as Circumstances Change
Mediation can be used to create new arrangements or reconsider existing arrangements as children grow and family circumstances develop.
Safety and Suitability
Family mediation is not suitable in every case. The mediator will consider safety, domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, each participant’s ability to negotiate freely and any adjustments required.
Where mediation is suitable, arrangements may include separate online rooms, separate arrival and departure times, individual meetings or other measures appropriate to the circumstances.
No participant will be pressured to mediate or to accept a proposal.
Online and In Person Family Mediation
MIAMs and family mediation sessions can take place online. This can provide flexibility where participants live in different locations or would benefit from attending separately.
In person mediation may also be arranged where appropriate and available. The format will be discussed during the MIAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to be in the same room?
No. Mediation may take place through joint meetings, separate meetings or a combination of both. The mediator will consider the safest and most effective arrangement.
Is a MIAM the same as mediation?
No. A MIAM is an individual information and assessment meeting. You can attend a MIAM without committing to participate in mediation.
Can children take part?
Where Child Inclusive Mediation is suitable, a child or young person may be invited to meet privately with a specially trained mediator. Participation is voluntary and subject to the agreement of the parents and the child.
Will the mediator decide what happens?
No. The mediator does not make decisions or impose an outcome. The participants decide whether any proposed arrangements are acceptable.
Can the mediator provide legal advice?
No. The mediator remains impartial and cannot advise either participant. Participants may obtain independent legal advice at any stage.
Can mediation deal with children and finances together?
Yes. Subject to suitability, mediation may address arrangements for children, finances and property within the same process.
What if mediation is not suitable?
The mediator will explain the outcome of the assessment and provide information about other available options where appropriate.
Take the First Step
Contact Resolvu to arrange a MIAM or discuss whether family mediation may be suitable for your circumstances.
Book a MIAM
Make a Family Mediation Enquiry
Call 0116 298 7339
Email info@resolvu.co.uk
