Divorce mediation solicitors
In family mediation, an independent mediator helps you and your former partner reach agreement on finances or arrangements for children. The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions, and you stay in control of the outcome. Rushton Family Law advises you alongside the mediation, so that you understand your position and the implications of each proposal, and then turns what you agree into a legally binding order.
Mediation at a glance
- A mediator helps you reach your own agreement, without taking sides or making decisions.
- Before applying to court, you will usually need to attend a MIAM, unless an exemption applies.
- A mediator can’t advise either of you, so legal advice alongside mediation helps you go into each session prepared.
- Shuttle, hybrid and child-inclusive mediation are available where standard mediation doesn’t suit.
- A mediated agreement only becomes legally binding once the court approves it as a consent order.
Specialist Divorce and Family Lawyers
Rushton provides discreet representation for divorce, financial settlements, and arrangements for children. We treat every case with the care it deserves, without losing sight of what actually needs to get done.
When it really matters
Getting advice on mediation
We start by understanding what needs resolving and whether mediation is likely to work. That means what is in dispute, how well you and your former partner can communicate, whether the finances are clear, and whether there are any concerns about abuse or control that would make mediation unsuitable.
From there, we will advise you on whether to mediate, what type of mediation would suit you, and how to choose a mediator.
The MIAM
Before applying to court about finances or children, you will usually need to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM). The mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it is suitable for your situation. Exemptions apply in some cases, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse.
Legal advice during mediation
A mediator can give general information but can’t advise either of you individually. That is where we come in. Before mediation, we help you understand what a fair outcome is likely to look like, so you go into each session prepared. Between sessions, we review proposals and advise you on whether they are in your interests.
Types of mediation
There are several types of mediation:
• Standard mediation. Both of you meet together with the mediator.
• Shuttle mediation. You sit in separate rooms and the mediator moves between you. This can help where meeting face to face is difficult.
• Hybrid mediation. Your lawyers attend alongside you, and the mediator can hold private discussions with each side. This often suits more complex financial cases.
• Child-inclusive mediation. A specially trained mediator meets your children, where appropriate, so that their views can be taken into account.
Making your agreement binding
An agreement reached in mediation is not legally binding on its own. The mediator records what you have agreed, and we then draft it into a consent order for the court to approve, so that it becomes final and enforceable.
RELATED SERVICES
When court is necessary
Non-court options aren’t suitable in every case, particularly where there are concerns about domestic abuse, where one side won’t engage or disclose their finances, or where urgent orders are needed. In those situations, we will advise you on applying to court and act for you through the proceedings.
Our Team
Our team of specialist family solicitors offer expert advice in proportion to what’s at stake for you. We advise on all areas of family law and bring the same care and high standard to every family we work with.
Amie Pine
Partner - Divorce & Family
Emma Shortland
Associate
Ella Perry
Assistant Solicitor
Samantha Patel
Legal Support Assistant
Reviews and testimonials
Firstly, Amie Pine. This particular solicitor is an absolute master of her craft. She's knowledgeable, caring, understandable, professional and always one step ahead
The second person I would like to mention in my review is Emma Shortland. Her knowledge of the law is incredible. Please don't let her age put you off, as upon those very young shoulders is a very wise head.
Amie was brilliant helping me through and managing my divorce financials both professionally and personally, cannot recommend enough, thanks again Amie!
I recently went through a difficult divorce, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by my solicitor, Amie Pine.
From the very beginning, Amie provided clear, concise guidance and her expertise, professionalism, and compassion made a significant difference during this challenging time.
Amie was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and provided reassurance during the most stressful moments.
Amie was not only a legal advisor but also a pillar of support, helping me navigate the emotional and financial aspects.
Thank you, Amie, for making a difficult time more manageable and for helping me move forward with my life.
Amie Pine has helped me get through a financially and emotionally challenging divorce with great empathy, expert advice and the utmost professionalism.
She is always responsive and worked quickly to ensure the matter progressed despite the other party's delays and unreasonable demands. Thank you Amie - it's been a real pleasure having you represent me.
Nicola and the team are the best support you could ask for at the most difficult of times.
As well as being knowledgeable, forward thinking, organised and hard-working, [Nicola] has empathy and goes above and beyond for her clients.
I feel safer and not alone, knowing that I have Nicola's support - securing her to act for me was a huge weight lifted. No matter what the result, I am confident that she will have secured the best outcome possible.
outstanding legal representation when it really matters
FAQs
After an initial meeting to check that mediation is suitable, you meet with the mediator, together or separately, to exchange financial information and work through proposals. What you agree is then recorded, and a solicitor turns it into a legally binding consent order.
How we work
An experienced family solicitor will run your matter from the first meeting onwards, and you will deal with them directly rather than being passed between members of a team.
Part of their job is to help you decide where your time and money are best spent. In most divorces there are points worth pressing and points that make little difference to the end result, and we will be straightforward with you about which is which.
A lot of matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and where that is realistic we will recommend it. Where it is not, because the other side will not engage, or disclosure is incomplete, or the issues are genuinely contested, we will advise you on taking the matter to court and act for you there.
Rushton Family Law is the sister brand of Vardags. If your case involves complex finances or international issues, we will introduce you to the Vardags team.
Request a confidential call
Please share a few details about your circumstances and one of our specialist family lawyers will contact you at a convenient time. If a telephone call is not suitable, please let us know your preferred method of contact.
