What Happens If the Other Parent Doesn’t Turn Up at Mediation?
When you’re trying to resolve parenting disputes, child arrangements mediation is often the best way forward. But what happens if the other parent doesn’t turn up at mediation? To ensure progress is made, here are five options to consider when the other parent fails to attend mediation:
Obtain a Mediator-Signed Form C100
If the other parent doesn’t turn up at mediation, we can provide you with a mediator-signed Form C100. This document confirms their failure to attend mediation and allows you to apply to the court for a child arrangements order. The C100 form is relatively straightforward and should take around 45 minutes to complete online
Request the Court to Assign Costs to the Other Parent
At your first court hearing, inform the judge that the other party didn’t turn up at mediation. Based on this, you may request that they be held responsible for your court fees. This can be applied e.g. to contact supervision costs, or other necessary expenses.
Ask the Court to Postpone Proceedings for Mediation
If you still believe mediation could work, you can ask the judge to pause court proceedings and allow you another opportunity to mediate. If mediation is successful, ask the court to convert your mediation agreement into a legally binding court order by consent.
Request a Judicial Indication of Case Outcome to prepare your expectations at Mediation
If the case proceeds to court, you can ask the judge to provide an early indication of how they might rule if the matter were to go to trial. This insight can help both parents understand what to expect, when they return to mediation.
Court Expectations for Co-Parenting
The court expects both parents to co-parent fairly and share care responsibilities as equally as possible. If you’re facing difficulties in reaching an agreement, try child arrangements mediation. This remains a recommended approach as it is both emotionally and financially cheaper and quicker in resolving disagreements about contact and residence matters.
For more information on how to proceed with mediation, call us today on 0300 365 2700 or email admin@familymediationservices.co.uk to ask about booking a remote or face-to-face appointment.