Difference between mediation and conciliation
Is mediation the same as conciliation? When faced with a family related dispute, our first reaction will be to resolve the problem ourselves. We might sit down, talk it through, explore ideas, and try and find a way forward. Sometimes this doesn’t work the way we intend, and we find ourselves stuck. We need a […]
Family mediation and same sex couples
Gay men don’t mediate? Stuart Hanson is the managing partner at Direct Mediation Services. He is a winner of one of the National Mediation Awards and has served as a director of The College of Mediators. He is registered as an accredited family mediator and Professional Practice Consultant with the Family Mediation Council. He is […]
MIAM Exemptions
Is mediation compulsory in divorce UK? Since 2014 it is a legal requirement to attend a MIAM Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before making an application to the Court relating to a family dispute. This is to enable you to at least attempt mediation in the first instance. At your MIAM, your family mediator will […]
How old does a child have to be to refuse visitation in the UK?
My child is refusing to go … Sorting out child arrangements for your children is often one of the most important things following separation. Questions arise: Where are the children going to live? How often will I see them? Will they spend time with both of us equally? What about alternative weekends? These are just […]
Is family mediation free?
Can I get free family mediation? Family mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR are methods that you can use to try and resolve disputes without having to go to Court. Family mediation services itself involves the use of an independent third party, your mediator, who will support you to resolve issues […]
Shared custody agreement
What is a shared custody agreement? The word “custody” is often used by parents despite it not being the term presently adopted by legal professionals. Lawyers, the courts and family mediators near you now use the term “care” instead, which has since produced terms such as “shared care” to describe those situations that were once […]
How much contact am I entitled to with my child as a father?
How much contact am I entitled to with my child as a father? This blog post will discuss your rights as a father to have contact with your child. The word “contact” has been used to replace “access”, but these words are often use interchangeably in day-to-day conversation. Similarly, the word “custody” has since been […]
How can I see my child without going to court?
How can I see my child without going to court? It is common knowledge that by going to court you can seek an order to gain custody or access to your child or children. It is not common knowledge, that there are various other ways to agree child arrangements with your ex-partner. As a caring […]
The Ultimate Guide to Unmarried Fathers’ Rights in the UK
I am a father who is not married to my child’s mother. What are my rights? Whether parents are married to each other or not often makes no difference to the way they bring up their children. However, what are the rights of unmarried fathers? Unfortunately, they do not automatically have the rights in respect […]
What is an amicable divorce?
What is an amicable divorce? Couples who decide to a divorce can be faced with a complex and emotional journey. This journey will likely involve disputes between you, such as child arrangements, finances, or property. These disputes, however emotional, have to be managed and if at all possible, it best to try and be amicable […]