Proposing mediation
Mediation is usually expected before you can apply to court (the MIAM), and it’s genuinely better for the children than a judge deciding. The key is to frame it as helping the children, never as a tactic.
How to use this
Section titled “How to use this”- Frame it as helping the children, not as a manoeuvre.
- Position mediation as what you want, with court only as a genuine last resort, so it never reads as a threat.
- You can find a registered mediator via the Family Mediation Council.
Example message
Section titled “Example message”Hi [name],
I think we both want what's best for [child], even when we see things differently.
Could we agree to keep this calm, child-focused and fair to us both? On that footing, I'd much rather we sorted things out between us, with family mediation as a backup if we get stuck, rather than it ending up in court.
Mediation is just a neutral person helping us agree the practical things ourselves, which is usually better for the children than a judge deciding. I'm happy to book the first meeting and work around your availability. You can find registered mediators through the Family Mediation Council.
Thanks,
[Your name]