Direct Mediation Services: Family Mediation in Kent
Direct Mediation Services takes pride in providing a dependable family mediation service in Kent.
What it's all about
What Is the Family Mediation Service?
Family mediation offers an alternative to the contentious legal battles between the couple's solicitors. Instead, it enables both participants to collaborate and create mutually advantageous proposals.
Even after a separation, participants engaged in family mediation sessions can reach decisions concerning children, property, and finances.
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Benefits
Benefits of Family Mediation Service
Offering constructive communication among participants is a key element of mediation.
Family mediators provide valuable support and assistance in achieving mutually agreeable and amicable solutions.
Mediation is less stressful, especially when compared to traditional court proceedings.
Family mediation aims to improve the welfare of the children involved in the dispute.
Mediation offers a more cost-effective alternative to court proceedings.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAMs)
The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) serves as the initial stage of the mediation process. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your circumstances with a mediator and assess whether mediation would be beneficial for you and your family. MIAMs can be conducted either face-to-face or online.
Clients who are funded by Legal Aid may also access this service. However, it is important to note that the Legal Aid assessment procedure must be completed before the MIAM, which typically takes around 10 working days.
Financial Process
Financial resolution in family mediation is a process that involves the services of a mediator who provides legal information and facilitates communications between participants, creating an environment that is conducive to a positive outcome. It is important to note that in family mediation, a resolution does not become legally binding until a court order ratifies it.
Following the attainment of a financial agreement, an Open Financial Statement (OFS) is written up to document financial assets. Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the specific terms of the mutually agreed-upon proposals.
Process of Child Arrangement
Mediation offers a secure and supportive environment for parents and children to express their thoughts and opinions. The perspectives of both parents, and in some cases that of the child, are given due consideration. By prioritising the welfare and voice of the child, the mediation process aims to facilitate mutually acceptable agreements between parents.
Types of Mediations
Sole Mediation
Co-Mediation
Shuttle Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation
Why Choose Our Family Mediation Service
Our Reviews
What our clients have to say.
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Very helpful and friendly service. Talked me through the mediation process and made it all seem much clearer and easier to understand.Code There was no complicated legal jargon and I came away armed with better knowledge and some helpful tips. Highly recommended!
I did it and now would like to recommend it. Dealt with Stuart, who was the man at the exact time. His approach and a great way of directing me with presenting my issues were surprisingly way easier than I projected the obstacle in my mind. Highly recommend it as this removes my blockage. A wealth of experience. Many thanks Stuart
Brilliant company and really easy to understand. Talked me through everything and explained it rather tahn rushed through it. Polite, courteous and sympathetic to each case. Couldn't say enough nice things about this firm, if your struggling to see your child then definitely give these guys a try.. I dealt with Stuart, and he did a fantastic job
I have been in contact Stuart at Direct Mediation Services on and off for about two years for various reasons and know him to be an utterly committed and decent person who I would (and do) wholeheartedly recommend to any other women (or men) in need of mediation. He is polite and calm, explains the whole process and makes you feel safe.
They were very helpful in clearly explain the process of mediation and were very friendly in all discussions. I would certainly recommend them to anyone..
Direct mediation are fantastic quick to respond and really efficient gets the job done
Lesley was very professional throughout and ensured we were both comfortable to start mediation together. Although it was a tough experience and brought up some baggage I feel it was very useful overall to reflect on our approach to parenting in the long term rather than focussing on the current uncomfortable situation. We've already started putting in place some of what we have discussed which I feel is already improving both our relationship with our child and each other.
Thank you very much for your services, I would recommend you guys to anybody going through this. You have been so professional and impartial while at the same time trying to get things resolved for everybody’s interests.
Thanks so much for helping me with this very difficult and sensitive issue . I am very grateful -
Lesley was a lovely kind person who listened without judging
Great service, handled the situation very sensitively
Provided a wealth of support centres and contact lines to assist with Domestic Abuse. Very experienced mediator with a very friendly manner. Excellent listener and tried very hard to work towards addressing a very complex situation
The mediator was kind, friendly and I was comfortable speaking openly with her, she was understanding and gave helpful advice and signposted me to useful services for me to use.
Just a big thank you.
My mediator was lovely and so helpful
Get in Touch for Our Family Mediation Service
Our team is available to assist you with any inquiries you may have about our mediation services. Please do not hesitate to contact us now for our family mediation service in Kent. We would be delighted to provide you with information and assistance throughout the mediation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mediation mandatory in court proceedings in England and Wales?
Mediation is voluntary and not mandatory in court proceedings. However, courts encourage participants to consider mediation as an alternative to litigation in suitable instances, such as those without any claims of:
– Domestic violence
– Emergency situations
– Specific child-safeguarding circumstances
How can I get free mediation in England and Wales?
Free mediation services are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria for Legal Aid. Legal Aid can offer financial assistance and ultimately cover the mediation costs for eligible individuals.
Do you participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
We do participate in the FMVS, which is a temporary initiative established to assist participants in resolving their family law disputes outside of court. Eligible participants may receive a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation.
Is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) mandatory in England and Wales?
A MIAM is not mandatory in all cases, but it is usually necessary before starting legal proceedings in the family courts of England and Wales. The purpose of a MIAM is to explore whether mediation is a suitable option for resolving the dispute and to provide information about the mediation process.
How can I apply for a court order for finances and child arrangements?
Form E is a form used in court proceedings in England and Wales, especially in relation to the financial aspects of separation or divorce. Family mediation typically does not involve the use of the divorce Form E. C100 Court Form is used for the purpose of settling child arrangements and can be obtained from the court or from the gov.uk website.