How family mediation works a step by step guide with Barker Mediation Coventry
Initial Enquiry and Information
You get in touch with us by phone, email or by visit on our site. We will listen to your situation and advise you what family mediation looks like in your circumstances.
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
A MIAM is a private meeting for you and your ex, with each of the parties attending their own separate session. You talk to a mediator one-on-one to hear about your needs, discuss the process and figure out if mediation is for you.
Scheduling Joint Mediation Sessions
If everyone is on board, we schedule joint sessions. You may need from one to five treatments (each lasting around sixty to ninety minutes), depending on the complexity.
Identifying Issues and Priorities
Your mediator helps you to sift through the issues at hand, whether it is parenting schedules, housing, finances or something else. You set the agenda.
Facilitated Discussions
This is where the real gene splicing begins. You’ll both get the chance to talk and listen, negotiate, with help from the mediator. We work to recast conflict into productive problem-solving.
Exploring Solutions
The mediator assists you in examining the alternatives, determining possible outcomes and reaching fair and workable solutions that satisfy both parties’ needs.
Drafting the Outcome
When we have come to terms, we express our agreement in writing in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. This can then be made legally binding by your solicitor or the family court.
Post-Mediation Support
Barker Mediation Coventry, we don’t stop at agreement. We’ll make follow up, referrals to family law attorneys and we want you to succeed in your future.
Drafting the Outcome Documents
The mediator may also draft important documents including:
Permanent or Temporary (Memorandum of Understanding for example: parenting plans)
Open Financial Statement (for later court use if necessary)
These are not legally binding, though they can be made into a legal order if both parties agree.
