Your first meeting is a one-to-one conversation between you and a trained family mediator. The other person in your dispute is not there. It usually lasts about 45 minutes. We will share information about how mediation works and ask you to talk about your situation. We will think about whether mediation is the right step forward for you.
Everything is confidential
What you say in the assessment meeting is private. It will not be shared with the other person or a court.
There is no pressure
The first meeting is just an informal chat where we share information and find out if mediation could help you. You do not have to commit to anything. You and the other person will each decide if you want mediation to go ahead. If so we will book the next session with you both together, or we can arrange the necessary paperwork to inform the court that you have considered mediation.
What is the Assessment Meeting for?
In the assessment meeting you and the mediation will talk about whether mediation is a good option. You might want to consider mediation instead of going to court, or alongside applying to the court. You can do both.
Courts want you to try family mediation first
The law says that most people should explore family mediation before going to court. The assessment meeting is how you do that.
You get a certificate for the court afterwards
We will arrange the form you need to let the court know that you have considered mediation.
What happens at a the meeting?
The mediator will greet you, either in a quiet, private office or online, whichever you prefer. You can bring a support person to the first meeting, let us know beforehand if possible.
The mediator will explain mediation. They’ll outline how it works and what to expect, and you can ask as many questions as you like.
You tell them about your situation. You only need to share what you’re comfortable with.
The mediator will ask questions to check that mediation is safe and suitable for you. Everyone is asked about safety, including domestic abuse, so please don’t feel we’re making assumptions about you.
The mediator will explain the next steps. This could be mediation, another service, or court. If mediation isn’t suitable, we will arrange you C100 or Form A application to court. You may also be signposted to other help, such as a solicitor or counsellor.
Useful things to know
If you’re worried about your safety, tell the mediator straight away. We want mediation to be safe.
You can have your meeting online or by phone.
If you’re eligible for legal aid, your first meeting may be free. See our Fees page.
You don’t need to speak to the other person beforehand.
Ready to find out more?
We are confident that family mediation can be a safe, successful, lasting, and cost-effective alternative to a court-only process.
or call us on 01706 813 280 for an informal, no-pressure conversation about what mediation could do for you.
Antworks Family Mediation — serving Todmorden, the Calder Valley, East Lancashire, West Yorkshire, and online.