The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system.
On the final day of Family Mediation Week 2025, we share some top tips on how to prepare for mediation.
We want you to have a positive experience in mediation: to feel in control of the process and to have constructive and productive sessions with everyone involved.
Preparation is key, and we recommend these simple steps before each session:
- Understand the Process: Familiarise yourself with mediation and how it works. Our mediators will explain each stage and answer any questions you have.
- Organise Your Documents: The mediator will help everyone identify the information needed for discussions. Gather relevant documents early to ensure informed decision-making.
- Set Your Goals: Consider what you hope to achieve in mediation. Prioritise your concerns and list the key matters to discuss, ensuring no important issues are overlooked.
- Keep an Open Mind: Mediation is about open discussions. Be prepared to listen and consider alternative perspectives to find common ground.
- Seek Legal Advice if Needed: Our mediators also practise as family solicitors but keep these roles separate. While mediators provide neutral guidance, we recommend consulting a solicitor for tailored legal advice.
If you would like to discuss whether mediation or any other alternative dispute resolution should be considered in your specific case, or you need advice on any other family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact the family team by email at family@berrysmith.com or by telephone on either 02920 345511 or 01656 645525.