Barker Mediation Services
Solicitors Referral Derby
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Who Can You Refer to Barker Mediation?
Every family situation is different. We work with clients at different stages of separation and family disputes, providing a neutral, confidential environment where they can explore practical ways forward.
If you are a solicitor looking to refer a client to family mediation, we can assist with a wide range of circumstances.
Parents
Parents may need support reaching arrangements for their children following separation or when existing arrangements are no longer working.
Mediation can help parents discuss practical issues such as where children will live, how their time will be shared, holidays, schooling and communication between parents.
Our mediators help keep discussions focused on the future and, importantly, on the needs and wellbeing of the children involved.
Grandparents
Family separation can sometimes affect the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren.
We can work with grandparents and other family members where appropriate, helping families explore concerns surrounding contact and ongoing relationships without immediately turning to court proceedings.
Mediation provides a structured setting where everyone can be heard, and possible solutions can be explored.
Separating & Divorcing Couples
For clients facing separation or divorce, mediation can provide an opportunity to discuss the practical decisions that need to be made without relying solely on correspondence between solicitors.
This can include discussions surrounding property, finances, pensions, savings, debts and future living arrangements.
Clients remain free to obtain independent legal advice throughout the process, allowing mediation and legal advice to work alongside one another.
Clients With Financial Disputes
Financial arrangements are often one of the most challenging aspects of separation.
We can help clients work through discussions concerning the family home, mortgages, savings, pensions, investments, debts and other financial matters.
Clients Experiencing High Conflict
Not every separating couple feels able to sit together and have a calm conversation.
Where appropriate, mediation can still be considered for clients experiencing difficult communication or high levels of conflict.
Options such as shuttle mediation, where participants do not have to be together in the same room or online meeting, may provide a more suitable way of conducting discussions.
Suitability is considered individually as part of the mediation assessment process.
Clients Who Need a MIAM
If your client needs to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making certain applications to the family court, you can refer them directly to Barker Mediation.
The MIAM allows your client to speak privately with a mediator, learn of the mediation process, and explore whether mediation or another dispute resolution option is appropriate.
In situations where the appropriate test is met, however, mediation does not advance, the proper court application may be supported under the relevant rules.
Clients Who Think Court Is Their Only Option
Some clients arrive at a solicitor’s office believing that going to court is inevitably the next step.
It isn’t always.
Where mediation is safe and suitable, it can allow clients to stay more involved in decisions about their children, finances, and future, rather than asking a judge to determine the outcome.
Your client can continue receiving legal advice while using mediation to explore whether an agreement can be reached.
A Professional Referral Service for Solicitors
When you refer a client to Barker Mediation, our role isn’t to replace the important legal advice you provide.
We provide the mediation expertise, impartiality and structured discussions your client needs while you remain available to advise them on their legal position.
Whether your client needs a MIAM, child arrangements mediation, financial mediation or support resolving a wider family dispute, our team can help them understand the next step.
Have a client who may benefit from mediation?
Refer them to Barker Mediation today.