Legal Resources and News

Mediation has been an alternative to court hearings for some time now, but its popularity is rising in part thanks to its relative affordability in comparison to the cost of running a case to court with solicitors and barristers. The court is understandably keen for parties to attempt mediation before taking up court time, and indeed in certain cases, for instance, matters involving children or finances on divorce, it is a requirement that parties have formally considered mediation before the court will entertain an application.

Neves Solicitors is delighted to announce that Emily Pope qualified as a Family Law solicitor on 3^rd December 2020. Emily joined Neves Solicitors in September 2018 as a trainee solicitor. As part of her training she has had seats in the Conveyancing, Dispute Resolution and Family Law departments. 

Neves Solicitors are strengthening their expert Family Law Team with the appointment of Senior Associate, Heidi Fleming, who will be based at their Harpenden office.

What is a MIAM? 

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is conducted by an authorised family mediator for the purpose of providing parties with information about mediation and other disputes resolution mechanisms available. The mediator will assess the suitability of mediation for the parties, having particular regard to any domestic violence or risk of harm for children subject to the family application.

Resolving the split of the matrimonial finances or the arrangements for the children are two of the more challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. For most individuals, the thought of attending court and the costs associated with contested hearings is extremely daunting; particularly at such a difficult and emotional time in their lives. The majority of the individuals that we meet with have a pre-conceived assumption that unless they have already reached an agreement regarding the split of the assets or the arrangements for the children, then an application to court is inevitable.