1. Is mediation suitable for high-conflict situations?
Yes, mediation can be effective even in high-conflict situations. Shuttle mediation is available for parents who prefer not to meet face-to-face.

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2. Can children be involved in the mediation process?
Yes, child-inclusive mediation allows children to share their views in a safe and supportive setting.

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3. How long does child mediation take?
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the issues, but most families resolve their disputes within a few sessions.​

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4. Is it worth going to mediation?

Yes, but you get to decide because it is entirely voluntary.

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5. Do both parties pay for mediation?

You are responsible for your costs of the mediation but both Legal Aid and extra funding from the Ministry of Justice are available. Please see our website for more information.​

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6. How much does mediation cost in the UK?

The Family Mediation Council states that the average family mediation cost is £140 per hour. At Pax Mediation we have competitive pricing. We also offer Legal Aid which means if you are eligible mediation is completely FREE. Please see our Fees and Legal Aid page for more information. We are also authorised to provide the Ministry of Justice Mediation Voucher Scheme. Under this scheme, the government will contribute up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case. 

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7. Do I need a solicitor before mediation?

No. You can make a referral directly to mediation at any time.

 

​8. Is there a downside to mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process and remains so throughout the process. This means you must be willing and the mediator must think mediation is suitable in all the circumstances at your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) but also throughout the mediation process.

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9. What should you avoid in mediation?

Be open to the idea of change and a fresh start for you and your family. The mediator will help you to be able to speak as well as listen for example.

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10. Can I skip mediation and go straight to court?

No. Before you make a court application you will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). There are some exceptions to this requirement  such as where there are child protection concerns or domestic abuse but for most people this a required step. This does not mean that you must attend mediation itself, just consider it as part of your options.

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11. How to get free mediation?

Legal Aid and extra funding from the Ministry of Justice are available. Please see our website for more information. Mediation is cheaper and quicker than going to court.

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12. What happens if my husband refuses to go to mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process. This means that both you and your husband must be willing to try a mediation process and the mediator must think a mediation process is suitable in all the circumstances. So if your husband refuses to go to mediation then the process cannot go ahead at that time.

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13. What are the five stages of mediation?

1. Preparing the arena.

2. Setting the agenda.

3. Exploring the issues.

4. Securing an agreement.

5. Recording the agreement.

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14. Do solicitors arrange mediation?

No. Your solicitor may refer you to a mediation provider but mediation is arranged by your mediation provider.

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15. How long is the first mediation session?

Mediation sessions are about an an hour and a 30 minutes, with some of this time being one on one time with your mediator either side of the session.

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16. How successful is mediation in the UK?

The Ministry of Justice released a report on the 'success of mediation' in March 2023. It said that 76% of families were able to reach an agreement on some or all issues. Please see the report for more information.

17. What happens if one parent refuses mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process. This means that both parties must be willing to try a mediation process and the mediator must think a mediation process is suitable in all the circumstances. So if a parent refuses mediation then the process cannot go ahead at that time.

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18. What happens if you break a mediation agreement?

Generally, agreements reached in mediation are more long-lasting than plans enforced upon people by the courts. Mediation is a voluntary process and agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding. That said because no pressure is placed on parties to reach an agreement, mediation works because parties stay in control of their decision-making and as a result are more likely to stick to arrangements agreed between themselves rather than something imposed upon them by a third party.

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19. Why is court better than mediation?

Court is not better than mediation. The court process is an alternative to mediation. It is more expensive and takes longer to resolve. Parents lose control of decision-making because the court decides.

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20. What are the 3 benefits of mediation?

Cost effective, quick and keeps you in control.

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21. What is the best type of mediation?

The best type of mediation is what is best for you and your family. If you need to sort out a financial settlement following your separation, arrangements for your children, child maintenance or any other issues following a separation, mediation can help.

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22. How do I choose a good mediator?

Only use a family mediator who is accredited under the FMCA scheme. See the Family Mediation Council website for a list of accredited family mediators. All our mediators at Pax Mediation are FMCA accredited.

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23. What is the most difficult part of mediation?

The most difficult part of the mediation process is different for different people. For some it is making the referral, others feel worried about what is going to happen in their first appointment. Clients tell us they usually feel more comfortable once the appointment has taken place and they have the information they need to help them with next steps.