Direct Mediation Services: Family Mediation in Sheffield

Direct Mediation Services is pleased to offer its family mediation service in Sheffield.

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

     

    Family mediators play a crucial role in facilitating communication between involved participants.

    Family mediators possess valuable expertise in supporting separating couples in achieving mutually agreeable and amicable solutions.

    Mediation is generally less stressful than court proceedings for all participants involved.

    Mediation has the potential to enhance the welfare of the children involved.

    Mediation is usually a more cost-effective alternative to court proceedings.

    Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAMs)

    The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the introductory stage of the mediation process, providing an opportunity for you to discuss your personal circumstances with a mediator and assess whether mediation could be advantageous for you and your family.

    MIAMs can be conducted either in person or online, depending on your preference. However, for Legal Aid-funded clients, it is necessary to undergo the Legal Aid assessment before attending the MIAM, which generally takes approximately 10 working days to complete.

    Family Mediation Sheffield

    Financial Process

    Financial mediation in divorce entails the provision of legal information and communication facilitation by a mediator, creating a conducive environment for achieving a positive outcome. It is essential to note that in family mediation, a resolution does not become legally binding until a court order ratifies it.

    Once a financial agreement has been reached, we put in place an Open Financial Statement (OFS) to document financial assets, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the specific terms of the agreed-upon proposals.

    Child Arrangement Process

    Mediation presents parents and children with the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions in a secure and supportive environment. The perspectives of both parents, and in some cases that of the child, are given thoughtful consideration. By prioritising the welfare and voice of the child, the mediation process aims to support mutually acceptable agreements between parents.

    Types of Mediation

     

    Sole Mediation

    Co-Mediation

    Shuttle Mediation

    Child Inclusive Mediation

    Why Choose Our Family Mediation Service in Sheffield?

    Our accredited mediators are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in family mediation. We take pride in offering a confidential service to all our clients. Our services are available to both private clients and those who are eligible for Legal Aid. Our team includes multilingual members who can assist clients who speak languages other than English. To help you learn more about our mediation services, we offer a free telephone consultation in which we can discuss your situation and provide information on how we can assist you.

    Our Reviews

    What our clients have to say.
    _______________

    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!

    K S

    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

    D R

    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

    C W

    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.

    D C

    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..

    N C

    Direct mediation are fantastic quick to respond and really efficient gets the job done

    S W

    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.

    T S

    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.

    R B

    Thanks so much for helping me with this very difficult and sensitive issue . I am very grateful -

    D S

    Lesley was a lovely kind person who listened without judging

    S J

    Great service, handled the situation very sensitively

    S P

    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

    N G

    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.

    L C

    Just a big thank you.

    E M

    My mediator was lovely and so helpful

    K N
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    Get in Touch

    If you seek advice, our mediation service has experienced family mediators who are ready and available to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding mediation. Please do not hesitate to contact us for information and support throughout the mediation process. We are here to help.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are free mediation services available in England and Wales?

    Free mediation services are accessible to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for Legal Aid. Legal Aid can cover the costs of mediation for eligible individuals.

    Do you participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

    Yes, we do participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which is a temporary initiative aimed at helping participants resolve their family law disputes outside of court. Eligible clients may receive a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation.

    Is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) compulsory in England and Wales?

    In most cases, a MIAM is required before initiating legal proceedings for separation or divorce in family court. However, it is not mandatory in all cases. The objective of a MIAM is to assess 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 court document used in England and Wales for the financial aspects of separation or divorce proceedings. Family mediation typically does not require the use of Form E. For child arrangements, Form C100 is used and can be obtained from the court or online from here.