Mediation at Forsters

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first step in starting mediation. During this meeting we’ll help you to understand what mediation involves and establish whether it is right for your case.

If you want to litigate your matter in court, you will still need to attend a MIAM first to explore mediation and other non-court options. There are some exceptions to this, including cases involving domestic abuse – which we will discuss with you.

It’s up to you. Generally, clients enter a process of mediation with their own solicitors “on hand” to provide advice at each stage, but you can choose to attend mediation without instructing a solicitor.

Speed. You control the pace at which mediation progresses. As mediation isn’t tied to overstretched court resources and judicial listing, it’s usually much faster than going to court to resolve your issues.

Cost savings. Mediation is often more affordable than litigating, with clients usually sharing the mediator’s costs between them.

Autonomy. You stay in control. You decide whether to settle and on what terms. Unlike court proceedings, mediation gives you the power to shape both the process and the outcome.

Confidentiality. All discussions and documents produced are confidential and cannot be disclosed subsequently, unless you both agree.

Flexibility. You have the freedom to design the process. From how disclosure is handled in a financial case, to the timing and venue of sessions, mediation offers flexibility that court proceedings cannot match.

Creative solutions. Mediation allows you to create tailored agreements that reflect your unique circumstances and priorities. Courts are limited to legal rights; mediation opens the door to bespoke, practical solutions that work best for your family.

Lasting settlement. Mediated agreements are reality-tested, making them more robust and sustainable than an order imposed by a judge. Mediated solutions are also less likely to fail due to unforeseen issues or non-compliance.

You can read more about how mediation works, its benefits, who should use it and how much it may cost in this article What is divorce mediation? from our Head of Family Joanne Edwards.  Read our short case study for an example of one of our successful mediation cases.