Direct Mediation Services: Family Mediation in Surrey
Direct Mediation Services is pleased to provide Surrey with its family mediation service.
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.
Leave Us Your Contact Details for a Charge-free Telephone Consultation
Benefits
Benefits of Family Mediation
Facilitating communication among the involved participants.
Family mediators provide valuable assistance in achieving mutually agreeable and amicable solutions.
Less stressful when compared to court proceedings.
It endeavours to put the welfare of the children first.
Mediation is 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, during which you will have the opportunity to discuss your circumstances with a mediator and evaluate whether mediation might be advantageous for you and your family. MIAMs may be conducted either in person or online.
Legal Aid-funded clients may use this service, although the Legal Aid assessment procedure must be completed before the MIAM, which takes approximately 10 working days.
Financial Process
Mediation for financial matters involves the services of a mediator who provides legal information and facilitates communication, 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.
Once a financial agreement has been reached, we use an Open Financial Statement (OFS) to document financial assets, and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the specific terms of the agreed-upon proposals.
Child Arrangement Process
Mediation offers parents and children the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions in a safe and supportive environment about future arrangements. 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 the achievement of mutually acceptable agreements between parents.
Types of Mediations
Sole Mediation
Co-Mediation
Shuttle Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation
Why Choose Our SFMS
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!
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
Contact Us for Family Mediation Services in Surrey
We are fully prepared and available to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding mediation. Contact us now, we can talk you through our family mediation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free mediation services accessible in England and Wales?
Free mediation services are available for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for Legal Aid. Legal Aid meets the costs of mediation for eligible individuals.
Do you participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
We do participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which is a temporary initiative established to assist participants in resolving 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) mandatory in England and Wales?
A MIAM is not mandatory in all cases, but it is usually required before initiating legal proceedings for separation or divorce in family court. Its objective 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?
Divorce financial settlement form (Form E) is a court document used in England and Wales, primarily in relation to the financial aspects of separation or divorce proceedings. Family mediation does not involve the use of that form. C100 Form is used for the purpose of settling child arrangements and can be obtained from the court or via the gov.uk website. Also, read about emergency court orders to return child in our blog.