Family Mediation

Family mediation – Marital and Civil Partnership breakdown and Family Disputes

There can be few experiences in life which are worse than living through the breakup of a marriage or civil partnership, and the pain of the breakdown itself is only compounded by long and very expensive legal battles. Family mediation is a method of addressing the problems and issues that inevitably arise during the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership, in a constructive and collaborative way, and arriving at fair and equitable solutions to what can at first seem to be intractable problems.

Hampshire Mediation can help the participants to explore options and weigh up issues, and to make difficult decisions and produce sensible proposals. All of this takes place during a series of confidential and voluntary meetings which are held on neutral ground in a safe and calm environment.  Addressing difficult questions in this way avoids hostility and promotes the chances of positive long-term communication, something which is vital if the well-being and upbringing of children are involved.

Family Mediation

At Hampshire Mediation, we help people address issues involving children and finances through family mediation.

We can help separating or divorcing couples resolve disputes without going to court, or work with them years later to discuss financial issues or child arrangements. The process promotes cooperation and reduces conflict with an independent, professionally trained mediator helping both parties reach mutually acceptable agreements.

The process typically begins with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) during which the Mediator talks to each participant about their situation and assesses whether mediation is suitable. Attending a MIAM is usually a legal requirement before making an application to family court, although there are exceptions.

If both parties agree to proceed, joint mediation sessions are then arranged. These sessions take place face-to-face, online, or sometimes with the parties in separate rooms (known as shuttle mediation). At Hampshire Mediation, we see most of our clients online. The focus is on open communication, identifying priorities and exploring practical solutions that work for everyone. Sessions are scheduled to suit the parties.

Family mediation is much quicker and much cheaper than litigation, and it helps to preserve a working relationship between parties, which is especially important when children are involved.

Click here to go to our Family Mediation Referral Form to begin the mediation process.

Hybrid Mediation

Hybrid mediation is an increasingly used model in family mediation in the UK. It combines elements from both civil and family mediation and allows solicitors to be present during sessions or available alongside the process. This provides parties with real-time legal advice while still maintaining the collaborative and problem-solving focus of mediation.

At Hampshire Mediation, we often use hybrid mediation in cases which are complex or where there is a high degree of conflict. Traditional mediation is generally more suitable for lower-conflict situations where parties feel able to communicate openly and negotiate without additional support.

Both models share core principles: confidentiality, voluntariness, and a focus on reaching mutually acceptable outcomes without court intervention.

Family Disputes

Many families struggle with conflict and dealing with difficult issues, and yet the traditional models of family mediation do not easily adapt to the issues involved. At Hampshire Mediation, we offer a way to sit down together and work through these issues, seeking fair and equitable solutions to what can sometimes seem insurmountable problems. We offer a model of working that combines the impartiality of mediation with the therapeutic benefits of talking therapy to provide a means to discuss, evaluate and reset a family dynamic and allow the family members to move ahead.