Family business disputes

Contact us on 020 8315 7460 for a confidential discussion
to see how we can best help you.

Family business disputes

Family businesses are the most common form of business in the UK.

Conflict is normal in business and in families. But for family businesses, the consequences of disputes occurring can be long-term and disastrous.

Typical issues that can lead to a falling out amongst family members include: dealing with family tensions over strategy; the role of extended family members in the business; the failure of family members working in the business to consult the wider family.

Communication can suffer and in some extreme cases decision-making can become paralysed.

So, if you are quarrelling over the future direction of the business, or if you cannot agree what role relatives should play in the business, then try mediation.

Want to find out more?

Contact us on 020 8315 7460 for a confidential discussion to see how we can best help you.

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Mediation FAQ's


Answer

All mediators are trained to help parents to think about the ways they can support their children. They can also provide information about how children can be supported when parents separate.

Some mediators are also qualified to see children and young people separately as part of a parental mediation process.

The Family Mediation Council’s Code of Practice requires that all children and young people aged 10 and above should be offered the opportunity to have their voices heard directly during the Mediation, if they wish. Your mediator will explain exactly how this might work and whether it is appropriate when you meet to consider offering your children the opportunity of consulting directly with a mediator.

Answer

The first meeting with a mediator is often called a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Whether it’s called a MIAM or a first meeting, it will cover the same things.

The first meeting with a mediator gives you the chance to find out how mediation works. Mediators are trained to work out with you whether mediation is right for you and your family. They will also discuss how many sessions you may need, how much they would cost, and explain whether you might get legal aid to pay for mediation.

The mediator can also give you information about other services that provide help and support and the other options you might have to resolve things.

Answer

Only Family Mediation Council Accredited mediators (FMCA) can conduct MIAMs.


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Contact us on 020 8315 7460 for a confidential discussion

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COVID-19 & Appointments

In light of recent Coronavirus developments SELFMB are offering clients the opportunity to book a MIAM appointment by Zoom, as an alternative to a face-to-face meeting, or to change an existing MIAM appointment to a Zoom appointment. Zoom is a video meeting App which you can download for free onto your phone/laptop or other device. Find out more here.

In some cases we will also be offering mediations by Zoom. We would usually conduct mediations in person, however mediation by video meeting is a recognised approach, approved by the FMC (Family Mediation Council). With the increased risk of Coronavirus we are looking at how we can continue to provide services to clients whilst reducing the risk to clients and staff.

Please call on 020 8315 7460 if you have any questions or would like to arrange an appointment or request to change an appointment to Zoom.