- Legal Aid & Government Voucher Scheme available
At Cheltenham Mediation, we provide family mediation to help separating couples resolve disagreements about children, finances and property without going to court. Family mediation is a confidential and voluntary process where an independent, professionally accredited mediator helps you have constructive conversations and explore practical solutions.
Our mediators do not take sides or make decisions for you. Instead, Cheltenham Mediation helps you communicate more effectively so you can reach agreements that work for your family and reduce the emotional and financial cost of separation.
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is the first step in the family mediation process. At Cheltenham Mediation, your MIAM is a private meeting with one of our experienced mediators to discuss your circumstances, explain how mediation works and assess whether it is suitable for your situation.
For most applications to the Family Court involving children or finances, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement unless an exemption applies. There is alos a strong expectation that the responding party also attends a MIAM appointment with the same Mediator.
No. MIAMs are always held separately. This allows each person to speak confidentially with the mediator and ask any questions before deciding whether mediation is right for them.
If mediation is suitable and both people agree to proceed, Cheltenham Mediation will arrange joint mediation sessions at a convenient time.
Family mediation is voluntary, so nobody can be forced to attend.
At Cheltenham Mediation, we will contact the other person and explain the mediation process. Many people who are initially reluctant decide to participate once they understand how mediation works.
If your former partner decides not to attend, or mediation is unsuitable, Cheltenham Mediation can usually provide the documentation needed for you to make a court application where appropriate.
The discussions that take place during mediation are confidential and conducted on a “without prejudice” basis, meaning proposals cannot usually be referred to in court.
If financial or child agreements are reached, Cheltenham Mediation can prepare the appropriate mediation documents, which you can use to obtain a legally binding Consent Order from the court.
Yes. Many clients who use Cheltenham Mediation also receive seek independent legal advice throughout the process. In fact we will often signpost you to take advice, especially if you are stuck.
Your solicitor can offer advice between mediation sessions and review any financial agreements before they are finalised. Using mediation alongside legal advice often helps families resolve matters more quickly and at significantly lower cost than court proceedings.
Yes. Cheltenham Mediation offers both face-to-face appointments at our Cheltenham office and secure online mediation appointments via Zoom.
Online mediation provides flexibility for clients with work or childcare commitments while offering the same professional service as in-person mediation and who might otherwise struggle to attend appointments, as well as those living across Gloucestershire and beyond.
Many people find online Mediation easier from comfort of their own home.
Mediating in different rooms is referred to as “Shuttle Mediation”.
We always consider carefully the reasons why you don’t want to be in the same room with your ex. Shuttle Mediation is normally only used in cases where there is a need to ensure the safety and well-being of one or both participants.
Mediation is about helping you both to have difficult conversations, not shying away from having them by using the mediator to deliver difficult messages. Many people find shuttle mediation more difficult as the Mediator relays the voice of the other person and you don’t then benefit from the supportive re-framing or skills of the mediator.
We don’t use shuttle for reasons of discomfort in having difficult conversations.
Where Cheltenham Mediation agrees to use shuttle mediation, this will always be online as there would always be a safety or well-being element to it. Therefore, reducing the chances of you seeing one another on the day. You each sit in separate online meeting rooms while the mediator moves between you sharing what the other person has asked them to share, whilst helping you to understand things from their perspective.
Yes.
Cheltenham Mediation offers Child Inclusive Mediation where appropriate. This allows children and young people to meet with a specially trained Child Inclusive Mediator so their views can be heard in a safe and confidential environment.
Parents remain responsible for making decisions, but Child Inclusive Mediation can help everyone better understand the child’s wishes and feelings.
Yes.
Confidentiality is one of the key principles of Mediation at Cheltenham Mediation. Discussions during mediation cannot be referred to in court, allowing everyone to explore possible solutions openly and honestly.
There are limited exceptions, such as safeguarding concerns or where disclosure is required by law, which your mediator will explain during your MIAM.
Cheltenham Mediation offers transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden charges.
We provide fixed-fee MIAMs, clear mediation fees and will always explain the likely costs before appointments are booked.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for Legal Aid or the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. (Links to the voucher and Legal Aid)
Yes.
Cheltenham Mediation is part of Children 1st Mediation and is one of the largest providers of Legal Aid in England and Wales. We can assess your eligibility during your initial enquiry or MIAM.
If you qualify, Legal Aid will cover your MIAM, mediation sessions and some legal advice. In all cases, if one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the other person’s MIAM is also free of charge, as is the first joint mediation meeting.
You do not need a solicitor to attend Cheltenham Mediation.
Many people choose mediation without ever needing to spend money on instructing solicitors because it is often quicker, less stressful and more affordable than court proceedings. If you reach an agreement in relation to financial issues, we will always recommend obtaining independent legal advice before making financial agreements legally binding.
Cheltenham Mediation has supported families across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire for more than 20 years. As part of Children 1st Mediation, one of the UK’s leading family mediation organisations, we combine trusted local knowledge with national expertise.
Our accredited mediators provide a professional, impartial and compassionate service, helping families resolve disputes involving children, finances and separation while avoiding the stress, delay and expense of court wherever possible.
