what happens at the assessment meeting?

The purpose of the initial assessment meeting [sometimes called an intake meeting] is to see if there are issues that are suitable for mediation, for the mediator to explain the process and to see whether or not you are eligible for public funding [legal aid]. This meeting is sometimes free of charge (see the section dealing with our charges) and always without obligation.

You can attend this meeting together with the other party if you wish, or you can attend separately. If you attend together, you will be seen alone for a few minutes as the mediator needs to ask you some questions on your own.

If you are attending separately you are free to bring someone with you to this meeting. However, if you want someone other than the other party to be with you at the mediation, this is something that must be agreed with everyone prior to the start of mediation, so please raise this at your assessment meeting with the mediator.

At your assessment meeting you will be given the option of mediating ‘around the table’ or in separate rooms, which we refer to as ‘shuttle mediation’.

At Westbourne we have two waiting rooms and parties are always asked to wait separately. If you prefer to meet up with the other half of your mediation prior to starting, you are free to do so but many people prefer to wait on their own.

At Southampton you will wait in the main waiting area, unless you ask before hand for us to make other arrangements [which we are happy to do]. When you mediate, if you are shuttling, you will automatically be shown into a separate room on your arrival, so that you will not be required to sit in the same waiting area.

The mediator will explain the process to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible with the process, so please let us know if there is any way that we can help, or anything that you are unsure about.

If you decide to mediate you may wish to arrive and depart separately, and if this is the case please discuss this with the mediator at your assessment meeting, and we will make the necessary arrangements.