Mediation Department

We have an experienced team of specialist and Accredited Lawyer Mediators who have expertise in all matters relating to the resolution of family disputes using a process of Family Mediation.

Our Mediators understand and appreciate the deterioration and breakdown in a relationship is a challenging, anxious, and distressing time for all concerned, and because of this, you will receive expert impartial support from our trained Mediators to help you address and resolve the issues which are important to you.

When going through divorce or separation there are often a lot of issues which families need to address, including the formalisation of their separation, arrangements for children and property and financial matters.

Free initial information

Our Mediation services are provided through ‘Midlands Dove Mediation’, who are a part of our organisation, offering specialist mediation services.

Our specialist, independent and impartial Solicitor Mediators, are here to take the worry off your hands.

Our experienced Mediation team provide free initial information in relation to each type of Mediation process and how this could assist in your current circumstances.

Please call our administration hub on 01623706020 or your preferred office below or email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk or visit their specific website www.midlandsdove.co.uk

• Chesterfield: 01246 386322
• Derby: 01332 973800
• Mansfield: 01623 706020
• Nottingham: 0115 8384777

What is Family Mediation?

Family Mediation is where a professionally trained independent Mediator assists separating families, establish arrangements on various issues, such as:

• Parenting arrangements
• Child maintenance
• Finances and property disputes  
• Grandparents contact with children
• Mediation for unmarried parents

During the Mediation process, no one is forced to do anything they do not want to do, thus allowing you to stay in control of a situation. Trained Mediators, will facilitate a safe environment and impartially explore with you, your circumstances and particular issues, to help you find solutions which works for your family as a whole.

What are the benefits of Family Mediation?

Family Mediation is a beneficial way of exploring different options in order to work out which will be the best option for you, your partner, and children. The process requires patience and communication, but with this it can encourage families to come to their own decisions, therefore preventing them from stressful, damaging and costly Court Proceedings.

Mediation sessions take place in a confidential and non-judgemental environment to ensure families feel safe to discuss their problems and anxieties freely, in order to make arrangements for the future.

The sessions allow for both parties to come to an amicable agreement regarding financial arrangements and their children.

How does it work?

The great thing about the process of Family Mediation is that it can be tailored to suit your needs, availability and preference. There are numerous ways in which a Mediation session can take place, such as:

• Face-to-face meetings: In face-to-face meetings, both parties are present in the same Mediation room with a trained Mediator. The role of the Mediator in this instance is to impartially manage your process, and help you come to an agreement that suits everyone.
• Shuttle Meetings: We understand that sometimes some parties are willing to take part in mediation, however, they would prefer to go through this process separately. During Shuttle Meetings individual parties will have their own separate and private room. In this case the Mediator will move between each room and update each party on the views and proposals made by the other.
• Remote Meetings: There are occasions whereby it is difficult to be in the same place at the same time, and due to the Coronavirus outbreak, carrying out remote Mediation sessions has allowed for us to continue assisting those who require them. In the appropriate circumstances remote mediation sessions may be suitable and offered to parties via the use of Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp video calling. Remote meetings can either be ‘face to face’ or ‘shuttle’.

Cost of Family Mediation

Legal Aid
Is available provided you are able to prove and document your eligibility. You can check eligibility by using the online calculator www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid We are required by the LAA (Legal Aid Agency) to retain proof of eligibility as at the point of our Assessment appointment with you.

If eligible
Your Assessment will be free. The other party’s Assessment is free (even if they do not qualify themselves!). Your Mediation sessions will also be free. The other party receives the first session free. You can apply for free legal help with Mediation from a solicitor if undergoing a Mediation Process.

Costs of Assessment
If you do not qualify or you do not wish to apply or be assessed for free Legal Aid Agency Mediation. An assessment fee is payable for privately paying parties. We have a limited number of slots which which can be prepaid and booked using our extended hour service. Payments for assessments are made at the end of each session for other

Mediation Session Costs
Payment for Mediation is as easy as 1-2- 3 We offer fixed fees for Mediation Sessions, in other words “pay-as- you-go” Mediation sessions paid at the end of each session Our fixed fees include a Mediator’s summary of points covered in session. Flexible session lengths are available. We will agree with you session lengths that suit your needs from an hour and a half or half to longer sessions. Fixed fees and flexible session lengths enable you to know your costs and plan your sessions around your family finances and other commitments.
Working?

Need appointments early or later? We have a certain number of appointments offered on extended hours (at the absolute discretion of the Mediator) These appointments require pre- payment at the time of booking and are only offered from specific sites. Please ask for further details.

How we can help
Our experienced team of Mediators are able to provide impartial support, assistance and information, during what may be a difficult and distressing time.

Our specialist team members all have experience of helping people at difficult times in their lives and we are committed to delivering to you a professional and confidential service.
Location is not an issue

Our Mediators are able to provide expert services across the country. For us, geographical location is not an obstacle, we have a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

Our Mediators also provide remote mediation sessions, subject to and in accordance with the requirements of the Family Mediation Council and Legal Aid Agency able to offer their services using remote video appointments, using ZOOM, Facetime or Skype.

How to make contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based.
Please call us for a no-obligation, free initial discussion or email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

• Chesterfield: 01246 386322
• Derby: 01332 973800
• Mansfield: 01623 706020
• Nottingham: 0115 8384777

• Am I Eligible For Legal Aid Mediation?
• Child Inclusive Mediation
• Couples Mediation
• Financial Settlement Mediation
• Mediation for Grandparents
• Mediation for Parenting Agreements
• Mediation for Unmarried Parents