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.
Send us a message

“We aim to resolve conflict through mutual agreement and compromise.”
Joanne Millward
Partner and Head of Family Law
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Posted 14 May 2025
Emily has recently taken over my case and her advice and efforts have been top notch. Her deep understanding and then explanation of the process and procedures has been vital to allow us to work towards the best outcome for all parties
Mark Lewis
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Posted 18 April 2025
This divorce started off as a very stressful time for me, but the professional support, on a very specialised subject, provided by Rothera Bray, made all the difference... I can only describe Rebecca as my “GUARDIAN ANGEL” . At the very first telephone call I had with Rebecca, I could sense only fantastic positive vibes, that made me feel comfortable.
A Mullath
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Posted 11 April 2025
I recently had the pleasure of working with Rothera Bray Solicitors during a challenging divorce process, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their guidance and support were invaluable, making a difficult time much more manageable. A special shout-out to Rebecca Hudson, my solicitor, who was exceptional throughout the entire process. Rebecca's expertise, compassion, and dedication were evident from our first interaction. She provided clear, practical advice and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. Her professionalism and empathy helped me navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and peace of mind.
Paul
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Posted 1 April 2025
Emma Adcock has by far been outstanding in all aspects of her role. Nothing was ever too much, her quick response to my questions (there were many!) and her knowledge and professionalism were outstanding. Again I cannot express how grateful I am to her. I have felt heard and my situation understood fully. I would highly recommend Rotheras Bray.
Kelly Neave
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Posted 31 March 2025
Thank you for checking in, I am so happy it is over I feel like a new woman. You have been amazing I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
Divorce Client
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Posted 14 March 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Emily on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. From the very start, she was clear, supportive, and highly responsive, making what could have been a stressful process feel much more manageable. Emily's attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal matters in a straightforward way gave me confidence throughout. She handled everything efficiently and kept me informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. I highly recommend Emily to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled solicitor. Her expertise and client-focused approach truly set her apart. Thank you, Emily, for your outstanding work!
L Malcolm
stars
Posted 10 March 2025
On a personal note, I know there is still some way to go, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your help and sage advice you have provided. It is really appreciated and it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you. Thank you!
Family Law Client
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Posted 20 February 2025
I cannot fault the service and advice I have received from Rebecca and Cindy throughout my difficult, acrimonious and complicated divorce. They have helped me get my life back on track. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation to mine.
Mr H
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Posted 4 February 2025
I highly recommend Emma Adcock at Rothera Bray solicitors, she was most knowledgeable and helpful as well as understanding of my needs to implement my financial settlement and clean break order. She was easy to talk too, was not pushy and explained everything in easy to understand language when you are going through difficult and challenging times you need someone like Emma there to help and guide you and that she did. Thank you for all you did for me and my children.
K Ryan
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Posted 23 January 2025
Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray was a brilliant solicitor from start to finish. She was thorough, efficient, kind, helpful and I couldn’t have got through it all without her. Her expertise and knowledge was second to none which gave me the reassurance I needed at various points. I couldn’t recommend Emily highly enough, a true professional who supported me wholeheartedly every step of the way.
Gemma
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Posted 17 January 2025
Emily Sherwood was absolutely brilliant throughout my child arrangement proceedings. Emily demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and compassion, ensuring that every step of the process was handled meticulously. Her guidance and dedication gave me the confidence to navigate a challenging situation, and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcome truly shone through. Thanks to Emily's expertise and support, we achieved the right outcome for my family. I am incredibly grateful for her hard work and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of a first-class solicitor.
TM
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Posted 12 November 2024
I want to thank you for your advice and suggested next steps including assistance with my final statement, which played a significant part in the court's final decision making, which I believe is in the best possible outcome for my children’s future. You got to the bottom of the issue straight away and provided simple and effective advice which made a huge difference to the outcome. I spent over a year using another solicitor whose advice in hindsight prolonged the whole process – whereas you simply got to the point which achieved the desired outcome. I also want to thank you for being there for me and caring about the best possible outcome happening, this spirit of going above and beyond makes your services very special and sets you aside from at least some of the other firms out there providing similar services. You are a credit to Rothera Bray.
Mr H

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner & Chairwoman
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 matters.

Joanne Millward
Partner & Head of Family Law
Joanne Millward is Head of Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Emma Adcock
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.

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 Lace Market and Derby offices.

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.

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

Cindy Dodd
Senior Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s 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 Family 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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