How long does family mediation take?

The short, although not very helpful, answer is: How long is a piece of string? The length of family mediation depends on the circumstances. Do finances or parenting need sorting out? Or finances and parenting? Are the participants divorcing, ending a civil partnership or separating?

Government figures show … no,no,no, stay with me, this won’t take long … that mediated outcomes take on average 110 days, whereas non-mediated outcomes take on average 435 days.That’s a big difference. That’s it – no more statistics – I promise.

Mediation offers a level of flexibility that isn’t possible within the court system. Meetings can be frequent or infrequent to suit the participants. At Anderson Mediation we also offer meetings on Saturday mornings.

Divorce and dissolution

Some couples have decided who is going to start the process of formally and legally ending the relationship before the start of mediation. Perhaps they’ve even decided together what should go into the legal paperwork. If there is uncertainty about either of those points (there often is), mediation can help. The half hour to an hour that might take can help pave the way to a co-operative and successful way of working.

If a petition has been lodged by one person without the knowledge of the other. If the wording in the paperwork is thought to be inflammatory. It’s time to talk. With tempers high that might seem like that last thing you want to do. But with the right support a negotiated settlement can be back on the cards.

Finances only

Financial mediations typically take between three and six meetings. First, the financial information needs to be on the table. The finances might be straight-forward, in which case fewer meetings may be needed. There might be business issues to discuss and trusts or pensions to deal with. An advantage of mediation is that any experts that are needed can be brought into a meeting and that can save time.

Parenting arrangements

Some parents need little or no help to achieve a successful co-parenting relationship. Others need more support. We can help them create a Parenting Plan which sets out a framework for their parenting. Sometimes, there’s a single issue that needs sorting out, for example how and when the children will spend time with their mum and dad.

So, the number of meetings needed in parenting mediation … you know what’s coming … depends on the circumstances. A single meeting might be enough (this is rare) or two to five meetings might be needed.

How long does family mediation take?

I hope I’ve given you some idea, but give us a call if you want to discus your particular circumstances. 01473 487427

Elisabet Anderson, accredited family mediator.

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I’m a Family Mediation Council mediator and a non-practising solicitor. I am authorised to provide a mediator’s certificate where mediation is not appropriate. I help couples negotiate financial settlements and parenting arrangements in separation, divorce and dissolution. As a family solicitor, I helped one person. Now, as a mediator, I am able to support two people together to help them reach the best possible outcome for their whole family.