Most family disputes settle in a room with a mediator — not a judge. Most commercial disputes can too. Quicker, quieter, and a fraction of the cost of litigation.
A structured process designed to resolve family disputes with the help of an independent, trained mediator. Practical, confidential, and built around an equal balance of power.
“Family mediation helps separating couples address issues around children, finances, and other family matters — without relying on a judge to decide for them.”
In most divorce or civil partnership cases, attending court is not required. Where disputes do arise — over children or finances — the Court will generally expect parties to have considered mediation before issuing an application.
The mediator does not decide the outcome. They facilitate the discussion, help both parties hear one another, and guide negotiation towards a fair and workable agreement.
Our family mediation at Your Law Big Sister is grounded in the principles of neutrality, confidentiality, and mutual respect. We support open communication, encouraging each person to express their views and understand the other’s.
The goal: a resolution that is practical, mutually agreeable, cost-effective, and avoids court — with an equal balance of power maintained at all times.
Six reasons families and couples choose mediation over litigation — the same reasons judges increasingly recommend it first.
Mediation promotes constructive communication and understanding, reducing conflict and the emotional strain of separation.
Mediation typically resolves disputes far more quickly than court proceedings, letting both parties move forward sooner.
Mediation empowers both parties to make the decisions themselves, leading to outcomes more likely to be mutually acceptable.
Mediation is typically a fraction of the cost of litigation, dramatically reducing the financial burden on families.
Mediation can repair the communication patterns between co-parents and partners that need to function long after the dispute ends.
Mediation lets the parties agree the outcome themselves rather than having decisions imposed upon them by the Court.
Family mediation is intended to help separating couples resolve issues in a practical and constructive way — without the stress, delay, and cost of court.
It is commonly used to resolve matters such as:
Note: in most cases, anyone applying to the family court must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless a legal exemption applies. Ella conducts MIAMs directly — meaning you can complete this required step and proceed into joint mediation sessions with the same trusted hand throughout. One relationship, one process, from first meeting to resolution.
A structured, four-step process designed to support fair, balanced, and productive discussions from the first call to the final agreement.
Each party is given the opportunity to discuss matters privately, ask questions, and assess whether mediation is appropriate.
If both parties agree to proceed, joint mediation sessions are arranged. These may take place together or separately (shuttle mediation), depending on circumstances.
The mediator assists both parties in exploring options, managing discussions, and focusing on practical solutions — particularly where children are involved.
If agreement is reached, the mediator prepares a Memorandum of Understanding or a Parenting Plan, which may be reviewed by solicitors and converted into a binding order if required.
Family mediation is often dramatically less expensive than litigation. Legal Aid may also be available for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
If you qualify for Legal Aid:
Where only one party is eligible for Legal Aid, the other party’s first individual and joint sessions are typically also provided at no cost.
If Legal Aid is not available, Your Law Big Sister offers clear and transparent fee structures — with an hourly rate or full-day rate for online mediation, and tailored pricing for face-to-face and international mediation.
A structured dispute resolution process for individuals, businesses, and organisations — reaching agreement without resorting to court.
“The mediator doesn’t decide the outcome. They assist the parties in communicating effectively and identifying resolutions they can agree on themselves.”
Civil and commercial mediation can be arranged at any stage of a dispute — from early disagreement through to matters already involved in legal proceedings. It can take place in person or online, depending on preference and practicality.
Rather than focusing on winning or losing, mediation encourages practical negotiation and commercial reality — helping parties explore outcomes that may not be available through court.
Civil and commercial mediation is used wherever there is a need to resolve disputes efficiently — while maintaining control over cost, time, and outcome.
Five reasons mediation has become the default first move for serious commercial disputes — before solicitors’ letters, before court applications, before the relationship breaks down for good.
The parties decide the result themselves rather than having a decision imposed by a court.
Disputes can often be resolved significantly faster than formal litigation — weeks rather than years.
Mediation reduces legal costs and avoids lengthy court processes that can rival the value of the dispute itself.
Sessions can be arranged at convenient times and conducted online or in person.
Where ongoing business or professional relationships exist, mediation helps reduce damage and maintain future cooperation.
Unlike court proceedings, mediation discussions are private and confidential — protecting reputation and commercial information.
A clear, four-step process. Designed to give both parties structure without sacrificing flexibility.
We gather background on the dispute and confirm whether mediation is appropriate. Practical arrangements — timing, format — are agreed.
The mediator reviews relevant documents and position statements from each party, ensuring full understanding of the issues before the session.
Usually begins with a joint meeting, followed by private discussions (caucuses) with each party. Shuttle mediation can be used where appropriate.
The mediator supports negotiations and explores settlement options. If agreement is reached, the terms are recorded in a written settlement agreement.
We provide comprehensive mediation across a wide spectrum — family disputes, workplace conflicts, commercial disagreements, neighbour and community issues, and more. Tap any category below to see the specific services we offer.
Most disputes can be mediated. If there’s willingness on both sides to reach resolution, we can almost certainly help you find one. Let’s talk it through.
Speak to Ella →Whether you’re facing a family dispute, a commercial disagreement, or you’re simply not sure whether mediation is right for your situation — the first call is free and confidential.
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