Family Mediation Solicitors in Eastbourne and Across Sussex
Family mediation offers a constructive and supportive way to resolve family disputes without the stress, cost and confrontation of court proceedings.
Our family mediation solicitors are based in Eastbourne and support individuals and families across Sussex who want to reach practical agreements around children, finances and separation in a calm, structured environment.
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How our family mediation solicitors can help
Mediation is particularly effective when a relationship has broken down, and both parties want to find a way forward without escalating matters through the courts.
Our family mediation solicitors can help with:
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Mediation following separation or divorce
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Parenting arrangements and child-related matters
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Mediation for unmarried couples
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Ongoing mediation where circumstances change
We take a balanced, sensitive approach, helping both parties feel heard while working towards solutions that are fair and workable for the future.
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a form of non-court dispute resolution that allows two parties to discuss and resolve issues with the support of an independent, neutral mediator. It is designed to be a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to court proceedings, helping you reach agreements through guided discussion rather than formal litigation.
Mediation is commonly used to address matters relating to children, finances and future arrangements following separation
The family mediation process
If you and your ex-partner want to explore mediation to resolve issues, there are a few crucial first steps to this process.
You can begin mediation at any stage, even if you have been separated for a while or are already involved in court proceedings.
It is important to note that by law, you have to have considered whether mediation can help to resolve issues between you and your ex-partner, before you can make an application to the Family Court. One party will need to have attended an initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) in most circumstances.
There are certain exemptions to this rule, for instance, if there is evidence of domestic violence or if an application must be brought before the court urgently.
What is a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)?
An MIAM is usually the first step in the mediation process. It is an initial meeting with a mediator to explain how mediation works and assess whether it is suitable for your situation.
During the MIAM, the mediator will:
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Explain the mediation process
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Discuss your concerns and priorities
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Explore whether mediation is appropriate
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Explain alternative options if mediation is not suitable
There are exemptions to attending a MIAM, for example, where there is evidence of domestic abuse or an urgent court application is required.
What happens after the MIAM?
If you both agree to pursue mediation after your initial meeting, the next step is to attend a series of mediation sessions. These are usually 1-2 hours long but the time needed and number of sessions will depend on your individual situation and the issues you need to discuss.
In the event that you achieve mutually acceptable proposals, your mediator will create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a written document that records your mediation proposals and an Open Financial Schedule (OFS). You will be advised of the need to obtain legal advice on the MOU before the proposals become legally binding.
If things change after you have received the Memorandum of Understanding, you can go back to the mediator for further mediation sessions and you can agree to change or update the document.
For most people, family mediation can be hugely successful to resolve issues and can help everyone who is involved to communicate better for the future.
The benefits of family mediation
There are several benefits to exploring mediation to resolve issues when you separate, with the most obvious being that it can help you avoid high cost legal battles in court.
The other main advantages include:
- Helping you to stay in control – mediation gives you more say over what happens and more control over any decisions made between you and your former partner. Unlike court where a judge will make the decisions.
- Finding solutions that really work – in mediation you do not have to accept any outcomes that you are not happy with and no-one can impose any agreement on you against your wishes.
- Cost-effective and quicker to resolve disputes – the mediation process is usually quicker, cheaper and less stressful than going to court, meaning everyone can move on with the rest of their lives sooner.
- A safe and supportive environment – a mediator will guide you through the whole process, listening to everyone’s views. You can talk privately and with your former partner, knowing your views will be heard in a calm environment to minimise conflict.
- Improving relationships and communication – the heightened court environment can put added pressure on everyone involved. Mediation aims to help you and your former partner communicate more effectively and work together to find solutions for your future.
- Better for your children – mediation will be less upsetting for any children and the process shows them the value of cooperation and maintaining important family relationships.
- Flexible and tailored to your needs – meetings can usually take place via video call online or in separate rooms if you prefer it. They are also easier to fit around your daily work life and childcare commitments.
- Returning to mediation – if previous arrangements need to change in light of new circumstances or where your children’s needs change, agreements can be reviewed and you can book further mediation sessions.
Speak to our family mediation solicitors
Our provide family law legal services to clients in Eastbourne and surrounding Sussex areas, with offices in Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Lewes, Seaford, Storrington, Tunbridge Wells as well as London.
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Why choose Mayo Wynne Baxter
We are a family law solicitor that prioritises client care and providing expert, bespoke legal advice on all family law issues.
- Personalised and compassionate approach
- Specialist team of family law solicitors
- Strong focus on client satisfaction and accessibility
- We provide personalised advice and support throughout the whole legal process
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Mediation Law FAQs
Family mediation is a process where separating couples or family members work with an independent, neutral mediator to resolve issues such as children, finances or future arrangements without going to court. It is designed to help both parties reach practical agreements in a structured, supportive environment.
Family mediation usually begins with an initial meeting known as a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). If mediation is suitable and both parties agree to proceed, a series of mediation sessions will follow, guided by a trained mediator who helps facilitate discussions and explore possible solutions.
Family mediation can be quicker, less expensive and far less stressful than court proceedings. It allows you to remain in control of decisions, reduces conflict, and often leads to more workable outcomes — particularly where children are involved.
The first step is usually to attend a MIAM with a qualified mediator. This meeting explains how mediation works and helps determine whether it is suitable for your situation. Our family mediation solicitors can guide you through this process and explain your options.
The cost of family mediation can vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of sessions required. Fees are typically discussed at the outset, and mediation is often more cost-effective than going to court. We are happy to explain likely costs during an initial conversation.
In many cases, the cost of family mediation is shared between both parties, although arrangements can vary. This will usually be discussed during the initial stages so that expectations are clear from the outset.
In most family law cases, you are required to consider mediation before applying to the Family Court. However, there are exceptions, such as cases involving domestic abuse or urgent applications. A mediator can explain whether an exemption applies in your situation.
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If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 4 business hours.
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What to Expect When You Contact Our Family Law Team
Once you have completed the enquiry form and indicated when you would like to be contacted, our family law solicitors will call you at the prearranged time to discuss your situation. This call will take place within four business hours of you contacting us. For example, if you contact us at 4.30pm on a weekday we will call you before 11.30am the next business day. Please note our offices hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
We offer expert, compassionate advice to help you navigate family legal matters with clarity and confidence.
Our aim is to make the process as easy and uncomplicated as possible for you.