A court process can often be long, costly, and stressful. Family mediation offers an effective alternative, helping you resolve disputes around children, property, or finances in a quicker and more collaborative way.
Talk to one of our friendly and experienced team on 01442 872311
At Machins Solicitors we provide impartial support and guidance throughout the mediation process. Whether you’re at the start of your separation or facing ongoing disputes, mediation can help you reach practical solutions tailored to your family’s needs.
It is a process to help you resolve your family differences such as your finances or arrangements for your children upon separation, without going to court. It is not relationship counselling. Mediation is voluntary and the discussions are confidential (apart from in exceptional circumstances).
Our accredited mediator Richard Phillips is also a highly experienced family law solicitor, bringing a wealth of legal knowledge and practical experience to every session. This dual expertise ensures that:
By working with a solicitor mediator, you can feel confident that you’re supported by professionals who understand every aspect of separation and family law.
Our experienced mediator is here to guide you through each step of the mediation process, helping you navigate family or financial issues in a calm and supportive environment. Whether it’s setting up arrangements for children, dividing finances, or discussing other concerns, we focus on finding practical solutions that work for everyone involved. We provide impartial guidance, flexible meeting options, and the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Ready to take the first step toward resolution? Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
The mediator will arrange an initial face to face or video meeting with both of you separately to discuss the issues, consider your process options and to see if mediation is suitable for you. This is called a Mediation Information and Assessment meeting (MIAM). The mediator is impartial so will manage the discussions and ensure you can both speak freely and openly in calm surroundings. They will help you explore options providing legal, financial, and general information (but not advice). If you both want to proceed, then mediation can start.
Meetings typically involve:
One mediator: Usually, one mediator works with both of you in joint meetings. Occasionally, a second mediator may join if needed or if requested by you.
Meeting setup: You choose to meet together, or in separate rooms if preferred. You can also bring someone with you, such as a solicitor or supportive person if agreed in advance.
Location flexibility: Meetings can be held online or face-to-face as you wish.
If a consensus is reached, a Memorandum of Understanding will be prepared together with an open summary of financial information (where appropriate).
Fee structure: Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), £155 plus VAT.
Mediation, £147.50 plus VAT, per person per hour.
Estimated total: For three sessions, a Memorandum of Understanding, and a financial summary, the cost is around £1,000–£1,250 per person, plus VAT- a fraction of the cost of going to court.
Voucher scheme: A £500 voucher may be available for cases involving child arrangements.
Mediation allows you to make informed decisions about your future without a court order being imposed. It is:
Note: Mediation may not be suitable if there are issues of domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or lack of openness from either party.
It is recommended that you take legal advice duringthe process. You should certainly do so when you reach an overall solution to check that you remain satisfied with the proposals. These can then be converted into a legally binding court order.
Yes! Mediation is often faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective than court proceedings. It also allows you to maintain control over decisions that affect your family.
To prepare, gather any relevant documents (e.g., financial records) and think about your priorities and possible compromises. Our mediator can provide further guidance to help you make the most of each session.
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Jennifer Browne to Senior Associate in the Family Law team. Based in the Luton office, Jennifer specialises in public children law and has established an excellent reputation for representing parents, extended family members, children’s guardians and children in complex care proceedings.
This year the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in a landmark parentage and parental responsibility case, ruling that a person wrongly named as a child’s father on a birth certificate who is not married to the birth mother does not automatically gain parental responsibility if they are not the child’s biological father.
A recent High Court decision highlights when the courts may refuse to return a child under the Hague Convention, despite wrongful removal. This case explores how allegations of abuse, legal risks abroad and the child’s welfare can establish the “grave risk” defence and prevent a return order.
Our experienced solicitors are on hand to give you advice and assistance.
Call our team on 01442 872311 or Contact Us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
