Mediation in Dorset

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Separation and divorce present significant challenges, but for families in Dorset—from the vibrant coastlines of Bournemouth and Poole to the historic market towns of Dorchester and Weymouth—Family Mediation offers a proven, more constructive path forward than an adversarial court battle.

Family Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where an impartial, professionally accredited mediator helps you and your former partner to negotiate and reach joint agreements about your family's future.

The Mediation Advantage in Dorset

Choosing to mediate in Dorset means prioritising a resolution that is tailored to your family's unique needs, especially those of your children. Mediation offers key advantages over the Family Court process:

• You  Remain in Control: Unlike court, where a judge makes the final, legally-binding decisions, mediation empowers you to determine your own outcomes for your children and finances.
• Cost-Effective  and Faster: Mediation is typically significantly cheaper and quicker than engaging in lengthy legal correspondence and court proceedings, allowing your family to move forward sooner.
• A  Focus on Children: Mediators are trained to help parents put their children's needs first, facilitating the creation of sustainable Parenting  Plans that work for all involved.

During the process, you can find agreements on all aspects of your separation, including the division of property, handling pensions and assets, and establishing clear arrangements for your children's residence and contact schedules.

Your Mandatory First Step: The MIAM

If you are considering applying to the Family Court in Dorset for an order regarding children or financial matters, it is a legal requirement that you first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless a specific exemption applies.

This meeting is a confidential, individual session with an accredited Family Mediator, where they will:

1. Explain  All Options: Detail the various ways you can resolve your dispute outside of court, including mediation.
2. Assess  Suitability: Screen for any issues, such as domestic abuse or power imbalances, that might make mediation unsuitable.
3. Discuss Funding: Check your eligibility for both Legal Aid and the  government's financial voucher scheme.

If mediation is deemed unsuitable, or if your former partner refuses to attend, the mediator will sign the necessary court form (such as the C100 or Form A), confirming you have complied with the legal requirement.

Financial Support for Dorset Families

Family Mediation services in the Dorset area are often supported by government funding options designed to make the process accessible:

1. Legal Aid for Family Mediation

If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, which would cover the entire cost of the MIAM and all subsequent mediation sessions for you.

• Important      Note: If one party qualifies for Legal Aid, the other party automatically receives the MIAM and the first joint mediation session for free, regardless of their financial circumstances.

2. The Government's £500 Voucher Scheme

The government's temporary scheme provides a financial contribution of up to £500 per case towards the costs of your joint mediation sessions.

• Eligibility:     This is available for most cases involving disputes over child arrangements (or a combination of children and financial issues).
• How to Access: Your accredited mediator will assess your case's eligibility at the MIAM and apply for the voucher funding on your behalf.

Family Mediation offers a path to a future where you and your family control your own decisions. To find an accredited mediator in your area of Dorset and discuss your next steps, we encourage you to make initial contact today.

Areas covered

Abbotsbury Sherborne Christchurch Bere Regis Blandford Camp Bournemouth Blandford Forum Dorchester Boscombe Lyme Regis Bridport Broadstone Gillingham Poole Swanage Portland Bill Preston Verwood Wareham Weymouth    

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