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ELBA Family Mediation: Helping you minimise the impact of separation or divorce on you and your children
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What is family mediation?

Mediation is a process where a family mediator works with and assists you to reach agreement. This may include working to agree a parenting plan, a pre-nuptial or marital agreement or a family law property settlement. 

​The aim is to reduce the conflict between you and any children, and to assist you to communicate well enough to avoid the need to involve lawyers or going to courts.
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The mediation process develops into a legally binding agreement for both parties.

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Getting ​started
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The first step is always a one to one information & assessment meeting with the mediator, without the second party. It lasts about 45mins and is often referred to as a MIAM. You are welcome to attend in person (London or Exeter) or meet via zoom video conferencing or even telephone. 

If either you or the mediator decides that mediation is no longer a good way forward, you can ask the mediator to sign any court application form. We can also help by sign-posting you to other sources of help and support.​

​ You may be eligible for financial support for your mediation. ​

What happens next?

If mediation is deemed to be safe in your circumstances, it will be up to you and the second party to choose whether to try mediation or not. Meditation is always voluntary. We will write to you both offering you a convenient time to meet. It can take one or several sessions to cover what you would both like to discuss.​ Children may also have their voices heard in a specialist meeting. 
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At the end of the mediation, we will provide you with summaries and outcome statements, This may include a consent order for court.
You may return to mediation in the future when and if you both wish.
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About your mediator

Marianne is an experienced family mediator dealing in all aspects of family dispute resolution with a clear and structured approach. 

Requirement to attend a MIAM before going to court

The process of professional mediation begins by you attending an initial intake meeting with your mediator. These are also sometimes called Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAM). ​

​Since 22 April 2014, almost all divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales who want to use the court process to resolve any disagreements about children or money must prove that they have made a referral for a MIAM first. You cannot issue an application at court without either (a) a record of a MIAM referral having been made or (b) claiming one of the specific exemptions that are available. 
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Marital Agreements including Pre-nuptial Agreements

Mediation can effectively support a couple wishing to make some joint decisions about assets, shared goals, inheritances and provision for children should their lives diverge in the future.
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Online Video Mediation

We believe mediation intake meetings (MIAMs) are very effective online. You can log on from your own home or office, as long as you have privacy and will not be interrupted. Different formats are offered depending on your preferences.
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Our practice is governed by the College of Mediators (CoM) and our online MIAMS are conducted in accordance with the CoM Code of Practice for Mediators.
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How much does family mediation cost?

 Mediation is a cost-effective way of reaching agreements after separation.
It is much less expensive than going to court.
​It helps to avoid costly legal proceedings and save valuable time. 
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for legal aid and we can provide mediations assisted by legal aid. 
We will also help you access the current Mediator Voucher Scheme where you are eligible. 
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