FAMILY MEDIATION LEGAL AID & MEDIATION in Hampshire.

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Separating your life from a partner is challenging, but in Hampshire, you have a constructive, cost-effective way to navigate arrangements for your children and finances without the stress and expense of the courts: Pre-Court Family Mediation.

This page explains the process, key benefits, and local resources available across the Hampshire region.

What is Pre-Court Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a process where a neutral, trained professional (a mediator) helps separating or divorcing couples communicate, negotiate, and reach their own decisions. It's designed to be a less adversarial, quicker, and cheaper alternative to court proceedings.

Why Mediate in Hampshire?

Benefits

Mandatory Requirement

Before applying to the Family Court in places like   Southampton, Portsmouth, or Winchester for a Child Arrangements or Financial   Order, you must first attend a meeting to consider mediation.

Speed & Cost

Mediation usually resolves matters in 3 to 5 sessions,   often months faster than the court. This dramatically reduces legal fees.

Control

You and your ex-partner, not a judge, decide your future   arrangements for your children and property. Agreements reached voluntarily   tend to last longer.

Better for Children

By communicating constructively in a safe environment, you   can preserve a working co-parenting relationship, which is vital for   children's well-being.

The Step-by-Step Process in Hampshire

The mediation journey is consistent across England and Wales, but you will engage with local, accredited Hampshire mediators.

Step 1: The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

This is the essential first step and is often conducted online or by telephone for convenience across the wide Hampshire area.

• 1-on-1 Meeting: You meet with an accredited mediator privately. Your ex-partner will have their own separate MIAM.
• Purpose: The mediator explains the process, assesses the specific issues (children/finance), and determines if mediation is suitable and safe  for your family.
• The  Certificate: If you decide mediation is unsuitable, or if your ex refuses to attend their MIAM, the mediator will sign the necessary court form (e.g., Form FM1 or C100) so you can apply to the Family Court if you still need to.

Step 2: Joint Mediation Sessions

If both parties agree to proceed, you will attend joint sessions with the mediator.

• Setting  the Agenda: You and your ex-partner will decide what needs to be  discussed, such as:
  • Child Arrangements: Where the children live, holiday plans, and communication between parents.
  • Financial  Settlement: How to divide the family home, savings, pensions, and  address spousal/child maintenance.
• The  Mediator's Role: The mediator facilitates the conversation, ensures both people are heard, manages conflict, and helps you explore practical      solutions and options.
• Shuttle      Mediation: If you are unable or unwilling to be in the same room, many Hampshire-based services can arrange Shuttle Mediation, where you  wait in separate rooms and the mediator moves between you.
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Step 3: Formalising Your Agreement

Once you reach an agreement, the mediator will draft formal outcome documents:

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): A detailed summary of all the decisions you have agreed upon.
2. Open Financial Statement (OFS): A summary of all disclosed financial assets (if applicable).

Crucial Note: These documents are not legally binding. To make a financial agreement legally enforceable, you must take the MOU to a solicitor (in places like Southampton or Winchester) to be drafted into a Consent Order, which is then approved by a judge.

Accessing Financial Help in Hampshire

Many local, accredited mediators in Hampshire can offer free services if you are eligible.

• Legal Aid: If you are on a low income or certain benefits, you may qualify for Legal Aid. If you do, your entire mediation process is free.
• Help for the Other Party: If you qualify for Legal Aid, your      ex-partner also receives their MIAM and the first joint mediation session for free, even if they do not qualify themselves.
• £500  Government Voucher Scheme: The government currently offers a one-time financial contribution of up to £500  toward mediation costs for cases involving disputes over children's arrangements. Your mediator will check if your case is eligible for this scheme.

Finding an Accredited Mediator

To ensure your MIAM certificate is valid for court, you must use a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

You can search for accredited professionals with offices near you, whether in the central locations of Southampton and Portsmouth, or in the surrounding areas of Winchester, Basingstoke, or Farnborough.

Areas Covered

Andover Basingstoke Chandlers Ford Chandlers Green Fareham Farnborough Fleet Gosport Havant Hedge End Liphook Liss Lymington Lyndhurst Petersfield Portsmouth Romsey Shirley Southampton Stockbridge Waterlooville Yateley    

Or to find out more about the mediation services we can offer, click below.