We are mediators and non-practising solicitors.
Lawyers tend to specialise in particular areas of law. As solicitors who retrained, we now specialise in mediation. This enables us to help people and organisations with a wide range problems or disputes.
- Getting things started
- Engaging the other person
- Law and procedure
- Forms and Paperwork
- Finances and Property
- How to tell the children
- Cohabitee rights
- Living Arrangements
- Child Support
- The Child’s Voice
- Parenting Plans
- Parental responsibility
- Visitation
- Reducing the effect of parental separation
- Care arrangements
- Later life decisions
- Inheritance, will and trust matters
- Probate disputes
- Living arrangements
- Family communication
- Choosing an attorney
Civil & Community
- Contract and Small Claims
- Neighbour and Boundary
- Planning and Development
- Partnership and Workplace
Our Focus
We practise only as mediators because mediation tends to lead to better outcomes, is less expensive and is quicker than the alternatives.
Contrary to popular belief, most problems or disputes do not involve a legal conflict. The problems are typically brought about by a breakdown in communication. This fuels emotional and polarised opinions, which in trun typically leads to deadlock.
Mediation creates an environment where communication – not letter writing and threats – takes priority. Mediators help the conversations along, ensuring differing points of view can be safely aired and ensuring that the discussions are respectful. This creates better understanding and greater opportunities for mutually acceptable agreements.
Don’t just take our word for it
Typical Cost Per Person of Divorce & Financial Settlement in UK Using Start Mediation
Average Cost Per Person of Divorce & Financial Settlement in UK Using Lawyers (Aviva plc 2014)
Average Cost Per Couple of Divorce & Financial Settlement in UK Using Lawyers (Aviva plc 2014)
- Average duration of a non-mediated case is 435 days (Ministry of Justice, 21 May 2014). 100%
- Average duration of a mediated case is 110 days (Ministry of Justice, 21 May 2014). 23%
- Average cost of mediated outcomes compared to those using other methods (Ministry of Justice, 21 May 2014). 6%
Now you know that …
“If the courts’ outcomes are unpredictable, why would you go there? If the courts’ outcomes are predictable, why would you need them?”
Why you need a MIAM.
If you want to make a family court application, chances are you'll need a MIAM certificate to show that you've met with a mediator. MIAM is short for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. MIAMs can only be conducted by specially accredited family mediators.
Maybe you want a MIAM but can't find a local mediator who can meet with you soon enough. Or you can't afford to take time off from work to visit a mediator. Well, you can meet with us over Skype video. All you'll need is a computer, tablet or smartphone with a webcam, a reliable Internet connection and somewhere private to take our video call.
We were the first mediators to offer an online MIAM service in 2012. It's understandable that we've gained a certain amount of expertise in understanding how to set up online consultations, as well as experience in delivering them.
How to get started
You are welcome to call us for a confidential chat. Or to speed things up, you can fill in our confidential online form (or download a form in PDF format to fill in by pen if you prefer). Your online form will provide important information about you and your problem or dispute. Once we have it, we'll get in touch with you to arrange your online appointment. We'll send you instructions explaining how to prepare.
What happens at a MIAM?
At your appointment time, you'll need to be in front of your computer or mobile device. One of our mediators (who will also be a non-practising solicitor) will video call you. We'll provide legal information and guidance about court and your other potential options. We'll help you understand how these work, how long they take and how much they cost. If you decide you don't want to mediate, we'll send you a MIAM certificate to enable you to go to court.
How much does it cost?
Each private confidential consultation costs £120. There's no VAT and no hidden extras. So it includes any initial confidential phone chat you might have with one of our accredited mediators, your online appointment with an accredited mediator and any follow up letters, emails and phone calls with you (and the other person). And of course it includes your MIAM court certificate should you want one.
What happens next?
If you decide you would like to try mediation, we'll offer to get in touch with the other person, inviting them to a similar meeting. Mediation can only start if both of you are willing to mediate. If you decide you don't want to mediate, we'll send you a MIAM certificate immediately by email to enable you to make a court application.
Call Us
01473 487427
M-F 9am-5.30pm
Sa 10am-1.30pm
Complete our online questionnaire now to get things started
Our Credentials
Abraham Lincoln
“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbours to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser… in fees, expenses and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.“Abraham Lincoln
