Frequently Asked Questions:

Family mediation is a voluntary process that helps separating or separated couples and families discuss arrangements for children, finances and other practical matters. An impartial mediator helps you communicate, explore options and work towards agreements that suit your family's circumstances.

Not straight away. Each person usually attends a separate, confidential introductory meeting (known as a MIAM in England and Wales) before any joint mediation takes place.

This gives you an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, ask questions and explore whether mediation is suitable. If joint mediation is appropriate, we can discuss how the sessions would work, including the possibility of separate online rooms.

Yes. Albany Mediation offers online appointments, allowing you to take part from the comfort of your own home or another suitable private location.

Meetings take place via Zoom, and you don't need any specialist equipment beyond a device with a camera, microphone and internet connection.

You'll need to be somewhere private where you can speak freely without being overheard or interrupted.

Family mediation is generally a confidential process, providing a private setting in which you can discuss your circumstances openly.

There are some important exceptions, particularly where there are concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or adult, or where disclosure is required by law.

Your mediator will explain confidentiality, its limitations and how information is handled before mediation begins.

Yes. Family mediation can help parents discuss practical arrangements for their children following separation.

This might include where children will live, how they spend time with each parent, school holidays, special occasions and how parents communicate about their children's needs.

The focus is on helping you make arrangements that support your children's wellbeing and take account of their individual needs.

Where appropriate, children may also have an opportunity to share their views through Child Inclusive Mediation, with both parents' agreement.

Yes. Family mediation can help separating couples discuss financial matters, including property, savings, pensions, debts and financial arrangements for the future.

The process usually involves sharing relevant financial information, exploring possible options and working towards proposals that both people consider fair and practical.

Where appropriate, your mediator can prepare financial summaries and a Memorandum of Understanding recording the proposals reached.

Your mediator remains impartial and does not provide individual legal or financial advice. You are encouraged to obtain independent advice before making legally binding arrangements.

No. Agreements reached in family mediation are not automatically legally binding.

Your mediator can prepare a written summary of the proposals you have reached, which you can then take to a solicitor for independent legal advice.

Depending on your circumstances and whether you live in Scotland or England and Wales, a solicitor can advise you about the appropriate steps to make your agreement legally binding.

Mediation allows you to explore options and reach proposals together before deciding how to formalise them.

Mediation does not guarantee that you will reach an agreement, and there is no pressure to agree to anything you are uncomfortable with.

Even if you cannot resolve every issue, mediation may help you narrow down the areas of disagreement and identify possible next steps.

You can seek independent legal advice at any stage, and your mediator can discuss other options available to you if mediation does not lead to an agreement.

The cost of family mediation depends on the type and number of appointments needed.

Albany Mediation offers individual introductory meetings, joint mediation sessions and, where appropriate, the preparation of written documents recording financial information and proposals.

Fees are explained clearly in advance, so you know what to expect before booking.

You can find full details on our Fees page. We can also discuss whether you may be eligible for legal aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, where applicable.

Getting started is straightforward. You can contact Albany Mediation through our website to arrange an initial individual appointment.

We'll explain the mediation process, answer your questions and discuss whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances.

You don't need to have everything worked out before getting in touch, and you can make an enquiry even if your former partner hasn't yet agreed to participate.

Each person will have the opportunity to speak privately with the mediator before any joint sessions are arranged.

Family mediation is voluntary, so neither person can be forced to participate.

You can still arrange an individual introductory meeting even if your former partner is unsure about mediation or has said they do not wish to attend.

During this meeting, we can discuss your circumstances, explain the options available and consider whether inviting the other person to mediation would be appropriate.

If your former partner decides not to participate, we can explain the possible next steps, including any relevant court application requirements in England and Wales.

You do not need your former partner's agreement to make an initial enquiry.