Family Mediation
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation provides an alternative to going to court. Negotiations are led by a mediator who is a neutral third party. There are different types of mediation available depending on whether you wish to see your ex-partner during negotiations or not, or if you require more specialist advice.
Mediation can be less stressful and confrontational than court proceedings and have less of an impact on your children. Compared to the court process, where the judge will make decisions on your behalf, your mediator will help you in finding solutions that work in the interests of both parties. However, the mediator cannot provide you with legal advice.
If you’re applying for a financial remedy or a matter in relation to children, you must attend a MIAM (Mediation, Information and Assessment Meeting), subject to certain exceptions mainly involving domestic abuse, before issuing your Court application.
Also be aware if you do not engage in Mediation before issuing your Court Application, the Court will scrutinise the reasons for the parties not engaging in Mediation and may refer them back to try it.
At Rothera Bray whilst we do not carry out Mediation ourselves, we can guide you through the mediation process, helping you with negotiations so that you reach a solution that meets your needs. If you reach an agreement we can draft a settlement agreement or appropriate court order, setting out the agreed terms.
Why use Rothera Bray to assist with mediation?
Our team includes lawyers who specialise in assisting with NCDR (Non-Court Dispute Resolution) and several of our team are Resolution accredited.
We’ll work closely with you so we can develop a clear understanding of your objectives and goals, as well as developing a close relationship with the other side’s lawyer to ensure effective communication between all parties.
We can also assist with the creation of pre and post-nuptial agreements alongside mediation.
We have considerable experience in advising couples wanting to resolve disputes without going to court.
We can also advise on alternative approaches such as arbitration in cases where you have been unable to reach an agreement through mediation.
Where required we can connect you with other professionals to advise you on your finances, counselling and therapy.
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“We aim to resolve conflict through mutual agreement and compromise.”
Joanne Millward
Partner and Head of Family Law
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Posted 7 October 2025
I have received amazing support and service from Emily at Rother Bray. She has been brilliant throughout and has always answered any questions that I have and nothing has been too much trouble for her. Would highly recommend.
Hannah
stars
Posted 28 September 2025
Sarah Gill gave me great, clear, concise advice on a complicated matter.
Mr Palmer
stars
Posted 26 September 2025
I had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray Family Solicitors. From the outset, they truly listened and showed real empathy, which immediately gave me confidence that I was in safe hands. Their legal counsel was clear, practical and reassuring, and every query I raised was handled with genuine care and diligence. In particular, I would like to commend Emily Sherwood, who was instrumental in guiding me through the process. She provided structured and thoughtful advice that was easy to follow, which helped to significantly reduce the stress and anxiety these matters so often bring. I am deeply grateful for the support I received and would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of professional, compassionate and reliable legal advice.
Peter
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Posted 25 September 2025
Absolutely excellent service! David Berridge was straight forward and very to the point, kept me in the loop throughout my case and handled it well with sound and logical advice. He was also conscious of the cost and always gave me options with explanation to each process as well as the possible cost it could incur. David acted in a timely manner, communicated well and was efficient in dealing with my divorce case. My parents as well as other family members have also utilised the services of Rothera Bray solicitors and they have always been professional, prompt and courteous when handling any of our cases.
Mayur N
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Posted 23 September 2025
I changed from a previous representative to Rothera Bray to handle a very messy and complicated case at almost the final stages. Gabriella and Hannah were amazing, they communicated with efficiency and empathy while remaining completely focused. The case was closed very shortly after Gabriella and Hannah worked there exceptional skills. Selecting an amazing advocate for court counsel I offer my highest recommendation for the this firm.
D.K.
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Posted 11 September 2025
David Berridge is the best solicitor in my experience. I had a very positive experience ,very professional and approachable and always explained things clearly. He kept me informed throughout the process. I would always recommend David Berridge if anyone needs legal support.
Vandana
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Posted 5 September 2025
David Berridge and Gita Patel have provided me with exceptional service over the past few years which I am very thankful for. It has taken a long time to resolve my issue, through no fault of ours, and with David’s experience and professionalism, his guidance and support, things were eventually worked out. Whenever David was on leave Gita was always there so that everything was ready for his return for our case to continue. Thank you to both of you. I will definitely recommend your services should someone I know require them.
GC
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Posted 2 September 2025
Previous solicitor messed up my case, so I changed my solicitors and got Rothera Bray to represent me. They looked out for me and actually listened to what I want out of this case, it ended in a positive outcome for myself and especially my boys. I can't thank them enough. Definitely would recommend them.
Umme
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Posted 26 August 2025
I went to Rothera Bray solicitors as they accepted Legal Aid, and I needed help with a non-molestation order. I also wanted to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. What started as a simple application soon changed due to the other party’s actions and behaviour. They helped and advised me every step of the way. I was never ignored and always felt like a valued client, even though I was a legal aid client, and I know that isn’t always the case with other firms. They applied for my legal aid on my behalf, which took the strain away from me. My case ran on for 17 months in total, and I was always treated by Skyler and Ann-Marie with importance and respect consistently. My case ended with me having all protective orders and a lives with order until my child is 16. I highly recommend using Rothera Bray, especially if it involves Domestic Abuse. The care and attention you require in those difficult circumstances is exactly what you need. I would go back to them if it were ever needed.
Private Children Law and Non-Molestation Orders client
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Posted 20 August 2025
Truly Outstanding Family Law Representation. I can’t thank Rothera Bray enough for their outstanding support during my family court case. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the process, but also showed real understanding and compassion throughout a very stressful time. Their advice was clear, practical, and always focused on what was best for my child. They handled every challenge with professionalism and confidence, which gave me peace of mind when I needed it most. If you’re looking for someone who truly knows family court inside and out, while also treating you like a person rather than just a case, I couldn’t recommend Gabriella Kent and Hannah Lilley highly enough.
CG
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Posted 18 August 2025
Emily Sherwood is a professional, supportive, informative solicitor who has put me at so much ease with discussing matters and ways to approach matters at hand. Her realistic approach has given me confidence in the legal knowledge she’s sharing with me.
R Rankin
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Posted 5 August 2025
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Gabriella throughout the child arrangement proceedings. She approaches every aspect of the case with exceptional care, attention to detail, and genuine empathy. From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand the unique complexities of my situation and the needs of my children. Her ability to balance legal precision with emotional sensitivity has been invaluable during such a difficult and personal process. What stands out most is how thoroughly she prepares — always referencing relevant case law, anticipating potential challenges, and providing clear, strategic advice tailored to my circumstances. I’ve never felt like just another client; she treats the case with the seriousness and dedication it deserves, and I feel fully supported and heard every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone navigating the family court system.
AH

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.

Rebecca Emeleus
Partner & Head of Family
Rebecca is a Partner in the family law team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.

Emma Adcock
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.

Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.

Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.

Ewan Paton
Solicitor
Ewan is a Solicitor in the Family Law department and is based at our West Bridgford office.

Katie Murden
Trainee Solicitor
Katie is a Trainee Solicitor in our Family Law department and is based at our Derby and Beeston offices.

Cindy Dodd
Managing Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Divorce and Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.

Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.

Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Divorce and Family Law department based at our Market Harborough office.

Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.

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