What is the process for mediation?

Step 1: Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Prior to joint mediation sessions taking place, both parties will attend a MIAM. This meeting allows both parties to meet with themediator separately so that you can understand the process and inform the mediator of your concerns. The mediator will also assess whether they think mediation is appropriate. Please note that mediation may not be a viable option where there are allegations of domestic abuse.

Step 2: Joint session

Once the MIAM is complete, you can then book a joint session. The mediator can assist in reaching an agreement in respect of financial and child arrangements.

Step 3: Negotiation and agreement

Throughout the process the mediator will be there to help facilitate productive negotiations between yourself and the other party, until a practical agreement has been reached.

Step 4: Documentation

Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding. Whilst this is not a legally binding document, it will formally record the agreement reached. To legalise this agreement (so that is binding), you would need to ask a family solicitor to prepare a Consent Order on the terms of the agreement.

Key documents you’ll need

Financial disclosure (if matters relate to finances)

Any previous parenting or financial agreements

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Step 1: First contact

We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in any family matter, so we are here to handle any enquiries with sensitivity and understanding, providing a reassuring presence from the outset.

Step 2: Free initial consultation

We will schedule a free initial consultation via Teams call for a time that suits you. At this stage, you will be introduced to a member of our outstanding legal team, who will be able to offer initial information regarding your matter and the next steps to formally instruct us. Please be aware that before your initial consultation, you will be asked to provide preliminary information via an intake form, and ID, anti-money laundering, and conflict checks will be completed.

Step 3: Client onboarding

Once you have instructed us to handle your matter, we will provide you with our letter of engagement and terms of business. These documents explain how we will provide our services and explain how costs are incurred.

Step 4: Initial advice

Following our instruction, we will provide you with an initial information note, setting out the information discussed in your initial consultation, our preliminary advice, and any pressing first steps to be made.

Step 5: Progression of matters

Throughout your matter we will draw on our wealth of experience and expertise to provide comprehensive continued advice and representation. We take a non-confrontational approach to the unique needs and goals of every client, and take non-confrontational, constructive, and practical approach to matters.

We take pride in communicating clearly and effectively with our clients, so that you are always in control of the direction and strategy we take at each step of your matter. We endeavour to ensure that discussions with every party involved remain respectful and productive, whilst robustly representing your best interests.

Step 6: Conclusion and next steps

If you instruct us to do so, we will assist with the implementation of any Final Orders/ agreements. Upon conclusion of your case, your file will be closed in accordance with our File Storage policy.

Step 7: Aftercare and availability

We are always on hand to provide further support, should it be required.

What to expect: our step-by-step process

From the first call to final resolution, we guide you with care and clarity at every stage.

We support people through life’s most difficult moments with clarity and care

At Sadler Cross, we help individuals and families move forward with confidence during times of emotional and legal uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a separation, navigating sensitive family matters, or simply need honest guidance, we’re here to listen, support and advise without pressure or judgement.

Top  2%of Family Law firms in the UK

1000+Clients supported globally

350+5 Star reviews

80+Years of combined experience

Two professional women in black blazers smiling against geometric teal and red backgrounds.Portraits of two professional women, one with dark hair against a blue background and one with blonde hair against a green background, both smiling.
Book your free consultation
Lauren Sadler, Senior Partner and Accredited Family Mediator at Sadler Cross Family Law

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Specialist in complex family law matters and family mediation

Contact
01245 890224
lauren@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Lauren
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Catherine Ashton, Partner and Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, incorporating mediation and Resolution Together training.

Contact
020 3301 1014
catherine@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Catherine
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Parmjeet Bhambra, Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, providing outstanding client care and expert technical finesse.

Contact
020 3301 1014
parmjeet@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Parmjeet
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Chloe Russell, Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, providing empathetic support alongside professional, accurate advice.

Contact
01376 653218
chloe@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Chloe
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Victoria Parkinson, Family Mediator at Sadler Cross Family Law

Victoria Parkinson

Mediator

Victoria Parkinson

Mediator

Specialist in family mediation, utilising over a decade of experience to provide balanced, calm, and respectful mediation support.

Contact
01245 890224
victoria@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Victoria
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Rebecca Brice, Lawyer at Sadler Cross Family Law

Rebecca Brice

Lawyer

Rebecca Brice

Lawyer

Rebecca utilises her advocacy training to robustly support clients, both in and out of Court, with understanding and empathy.

Contact
020 3301 1014
rebecca@sadlercross.co.uk
Rhiannon Smith, Apprentice Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Rhiannon Smith

Apprentice Solicitor

Rhiannon Smith

Apprentice Solicitor

Rhiannon incorporates the skills and knowledge gained throughout her degree and apprenticeship to support clients with compassion and professionalism.

Contact
01206 593356
rhiannon@sadlercross.co.uk
Imogen Surguy, Apprentice Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Imogen Surguy

Apprentice Solicitor

Imogen Surguy

Apprentice Solicitor

Imogen combines the knowledge gained through her apprenticeship and the technical skills developed at the firm to provide considerate support to clients and the team.

Contact
01621 983201
imogen@sadlercross.co.uk
Claire McCourt, Office Manager at Sadler Cross Family Law

Claire McCourt

Office Manager

Claire McCourt

Office Manager

Claire draws upon her experience at a magic circle law firm and her incredible organisational skills to assist with the operation and smooth-running of the firm.

Contact
01206 593356
claire@sadlercross.co.uk
Gemma Page, PA to Lauren Sadler at Sadler Cross Family Law

Gemma Page

PA to Lauren Sadler

Gemma Page

PA to Lauren Sadler

Gemma employs her wealth of experience within the legal sector to provide invaluable assistance with firm operations, alongside supporting our mediation service.

Contact
01376 653218
gemma@sadlercross.co.uk

Five-star reviews from clients across England and Wales

Showing reviews about mediation

Read why we have 230+ 5 star reviews! Real words from real people we’ve supported through challenges, change, and everything in between.

I found Chloe very professional and eloquent she explained the process very clearly and gave me the confidence to proceed with mediation I feel i may be useing her as my solicitor once I require the formal part of the process to proceed.

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

I found you very professional and competent. Many thanks for your help in your mediation role.

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Please can you pass on my thanks to Victoria for her assistance in this matter and for her efforts to try and help us reach a resolution. I appreciate her support and the guidance she offered us both during this difficult time.

Victoria Parkinson

Family Mediator

Please can you extend my thanks to Victoria for facilitating today's session. I appreciate her efforts and the balanced space she created for discussion.

Victoria Parkinson

Family Mediator

Parm was friendly, helpful, understanding, and happy to help me figure out my next step in this process which I’ve never navigated before. Parm was also happy to email me some helpful mediators which I appreciate, and made me feel a little more in the know.

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Professional and compassionate service during the difficult period of divorce. I knew what to expect and was able to enter mediation fully prepared. Clear communication at all times and quick response times to enquiries.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

A short but informative meeting with Lauren. If I choose to go back to mediation at any point going forward in my divorce I will definitely contact her. She was very honest, not pushy in any way. Having already gone through the process before Lauren made me realise that I’d probably been pushed into mediation too early in my separation. I appreciated her honesty.

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

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Let’s talk, we’re here to help

We know that taking the first step can feel daunting. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or simply someone to listen we’re ready when you are.

Call us directly

01245 890224
Mon–Fri, 9am–5:00pm

Location

Sadler Cross Family Law
PO Box 13018
Maldon
CM9 9FN

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