Mediation Solicitors in Leicester, Oakham & Rutland

When you’re separating or going through a divorce, the prospect of resolving finances, property and arrangements for children can feel overwhelming. Court proceedings aren’t the only option, and for many families they’re not the right one. Family mediation offers a structured, voluntary process for reaching agreements without litigation, and having the right solicitor beside you throughout makes all the difference.

Belderbos Solicitors is a specialist family law firm with offices in Leicester and Oakham, serving clients across Leicestershire, Rutland and the wider East Midlands. We’re members of Resolution, and we assess every case on its merits. Where mediation is the right route, we’ll tell you clearly and support you through it. Where it isn’t, we’ll say so.

Book your free discovery call

Our free discovery call is a no-obligation conversation with one of our family law solicitors. There’s no charge. It gives you a chance to explain your situation, ask questions and understand your options before deciding how to proceed.

To book, visit our discovery call page, call us on 01572 490 660, or email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk.

What is family mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a trained, neutral mediator helps separating or divorcing couples reach their own agreements about children, finances and property. The mediator doesn’t take sides and doesn’t make decisions for you. Their role is to facilitate productive discussion so both parties can work through the issues together.

Mediation is recognised by the courts and can address a wide range of matters, including child arrangements, financial settlements, division of property and ongoing co-parenting agreements. The Family Mediation Council is the principal regulatory body for family mediators in England and Wales.

When is mediation used in divorce or separation?

Mediation can be used at any stage of a divorce or separation. It’s particularly well-suited when:

• You and your former partner are willing to negotiate but find direct communication difficult.
• You want to reach a child arrangements agreement without court involvement.
• You’re working through a financial settlement and want to retain control over the outcome.
• You’re an unmarried couple dealing with property or cohabitation disputes.
• You want to preserve a working relationship with your former partner, particularly where children are involved.

The role of a mediation solicitor

A mediator and a solicitor perform different functions. The mediator runs the sessions and facilitates discussion. They don’t advise either party on their legal rights, and they can’t make any agreement legally binding on their own.

That’s where we come in. As your mediation solicitor, we’ll advise you on your legal position before and during the process, review any proposals your mediator puts forward, and ensure you don’t accept terms that disadvantage you. Once agreement is reached, we’ll convert it into a legally enforceable consent order, which is the document needed to make it binding on both parties. Without a consent order, either party can change their mind.

How the mediation process works

The typical mediation process follows these stages:

1. Initial enquiry and MIAM. Before mediation begins, each party attends a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is a separate one-to-one meeting with a qualified mediator to assess whether mediation is appropriate for your situation.
2. Joint sessions. If mediation proceeds, both parties meet with the mediator across a series of sessions (usually together, sometimes separately). Most cases involve three to five sessions.
3. Memorandum of Understanding. Once agreement is reached, the mediator produces a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out what’s been agreed. This document is not yet legally binding.
4. Independent legal advice. You’ll share the Memorandum of Understanding with us. We’ll review it with you and advise you on whether it’s fair and legally sound.
5. Consent order. We’ll draw up a consent order based on the agreed terms and submit it to the court for approval. Once approved, it becomes legally binding on both parties.

What is a MIAM?

A MIAM is a mandatory one-to-one meeting with a qualified mediator. You must attend a MIAM before making most family court applications. The meeting helps the mediator assess whether your situation is suitable for mediation and, if so, explains what the process involves.

MIAMs are held separately. You don’t attend with the other party. At Belderbos, a MIAM costs £147 + VAT (£176.40) per person.

There are limited exemptions from the MIAM requirement, including cases involving domestic abuse or urgent safeguarding concerns. We’ll advise you on whether an exemption applies to your situation.

Benefits of mediation over court proceedings

Mediation isn’t right for every situation, but where it is, the advantages over court are significant:

• Mediation is substantially cheaper than contested court proceedings, which can run to thousands of pounds per party.
• Most mediations conclude within a few months. Court cases can take a year or more.
• You decide the outcome, not a judge. That often produces more workable, durable agreements.
• What’s discussed in mediation is confidential. Court proceedings are largely a matter of public record.
• Child welfare. Where children are involved, a less adversarial process reduces their exposure to conflict.
• Mediation can address finances, children, or both, in whatever combination suits your circumstances.

Mediation costs

Mediation costs depend on the number of sessions and the complexity of the issues involved. At Belderbos, mediation sessions are charged at £140 + VAT (£168) per person per hour.

The government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides a contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation sessions for eligible cases. To qualify, your case must involve a dispute about child arrangements, or a combination of child and financial matters. Pure financial disputes don’t qualify on their own. The voucher doesn’t cover the MIAM, and the mediator applies for the funding on your behalf.

At Belderbos, we do not offer legal aid.

When mediation may not be suitable

Mediation relies on both parties engaging openly and in good faith. It’s unlikely to be suitable where:

• There’s a history of domestic abuse or coercive control.
• There are safeguarding concerns relating to children.
• One party is unwilling to participate or negotiate honestly.
• Urgent protective action is needed, such as an injunction.

In these situations, other out-of-court options such as collaborative law or family arbitration may still be available. Where court is the right route, we’ll advise you clearly and act without delay.

Why choose Belderbos for mediation support?

• Family law only. We practise exclusively in family law. You’ll always speak to a genuine specialist.
• One fee earner throughout. Your matter is handled by the same solicitor from start to finish. No handovers, no repeating yourself.
• Resolution We’re committed to constructive approaches to family law, and honest about when they’re appropriate.
• Independently owned. Belderbos is not private equity-backed. We answer to our clients only.
• Two local offices. We have offices in Leicester and Oakham, with remote appointments available.
• Free discovery call. Speak to us before committing to anything. There’s no obligation and no charge.

Frequently asked questions about family mediation

Do I need a solicitor if I’m going to mediation?

You don’t need one to attend, but it’s strongly advisable. Mediators are neutral and don’t give legal advice to either party. A solicitor will advise you on your rights, help you assess whether proposals are fair, and convert any agreement into a legally binding consent order. Without independent legal advice, you could accept terms that disadvantage you without realising it.

Is mediation legally binding?

Not automatically. The Memorandum of Understanding produced at the end of mediation records what’s been agreed, but it only becomes legally binding once it’s converted into a consent order by a solicitor and approved by the court. We can handle that process for you.

How long does the mediation process take?

Most cases are resolved within three to five sessions, spread over a few weeks or months depending on scheduling and complexity. Converting the agreement into a consent order adds a little time, but the overall process is significantly faster than court proceedings.

How much does family mediation cost in the UK?

Costs vary by mediator and location. At Belderbos, MIAM appointments are £147 + VAT (£176.40) per person and mediation sessions are £140 + VAT (£168) per person per hour. The government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers up to £500 towards session costs for eligible cases involving child arrangements. Legal aid may also be available depending on your financial circumstances.

Is mediation compulsory before going to court?

Attending a MIAM is required before most family court applications can be made. However, proceeding to full mediation is voluntary. The MIAM is an assessment meeting, not a commitment to mediate. Limited exemptions apply, including in cases involving domestic abuse.

Can mediation be used for child arrangements only?

Yes. Mediation can address children, finances, or both, in any combination. Many parents use it solely to agree on child arrangements, without any financial matters being in dispute.

What happens if mediation breaks down?

If mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, other routes remain open. Options include solicitor-led negotiation, collaborative law, family arbitration and, where necessary, court proceedings. We’ll review what’s happened and advise you on the most appropriate next step.

Book your free discovery call

If you’re considering mediation or want to understand whether it’s the right option for your situation, we’re here to help. Our free discovery call is a straightforward conversation with one of our family law solicitors. There’s no obligation and no charge.

To book, visit our discovery call page, call us on 01572 490 660, or email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk.