We are a young, innovative firm dealing with all aspects of family law and now introducing Family Mediation Services. Mediation is an entirely voluntary process, and therein lies the beauty of it: you cannot force anybody to mediate. However, the Government is strongly encouraging people to learn about mediation. From 6th April 2011, a protocol was set in place where seperating the couples assess whether mediation would be a better way of solving their disputes than battling them in a court. This is part of the Governments plan to reduce pressures on the family court system. Anybody who now wants to start court proceedings in a family matter, either relating to children or finances on divorce is required to attend an introductory meeting - a 'mediation information and assessment meeting' (MIAM), which will explain about the process of mediation, and seek to determine whether the case might be suitable for mediation When partners, married or unmarried, decide to separate it is pai