Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services provided by Johanna Steward Family Mediation & Court Support (“the Service Provider”, “we”, “us” or “our”). By booking or using our services, you agree to the following terms.

Johanna Steward Family Mediation & Court Support provides:

• Family mediation services

• MIAM appointments

• McKenzie Friend support

• Assistance with court forms and documents

• Support with preparation for hearings

• General practical guidance relating to family court proceedings

Services are designed to provide practical and emotional support to clients involved in family disputes and court proceedings.

Although Johanna Steward is a former family solicitor, services are provided in the capacity of:

• Family Mediator and/or

• McKenzie Friend

The service is not a regulated law firm and does not provide reserved legal activities unless specifically stated.

Clients remain responsible for:

• their own case,

• court deadlines,

• and decisions made throughout proceedings.

Where appropriate, clients may be advised to seek independent legal advice from a practising solicitor or barrister.

Mediation is:

• voluntary,

• confidential,

• and impartial.

The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for either party.

Any agreements reached during mediation are not legally binding unless converted into a court order or formal legal agreement.

MIAM certificates will only be issued where appropriate and in accordance with Family Mediation Council guidance.

McKenzie Friend support may include:

• assistance with paperwork,

• organising documents,

• moral support,

• note taking,

• and assistance during court hearings where permitted.

Rights of audience or rights to conduct litigation are not guaranteed and remain entirely at the discretion of the court.

Fees will be confirmed in advance wherever possible.

Payment terms:

• Payment may be required in advance of appointments or work commencing.

• Fixed fee work must be paid in accordance with agreed terms.

• Hourly rate work will be charged for time spent on preparation, correspondence, meetings and hearings.

• Outstanding invoices must be paid within 7 days unless otherwise agreed.

We reserve the right to pause work where invoices remain unpaid.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be chargeable in full.

If mediation sessions are cancelled repeatedly or without reasonable notice, services may be discontinued.

Clients agree to:

• provide accurate and honest information,

• provide documents promptly,

• communicate respectfully,

• and cooperate throughout the process.

We reserve the right to end services where behaviour is abusive, threatening or inappropriate.

All information shared will be treated confidentially unless:

• disclosure is required by law,

• there are safeguarding concerns,

• or there is a risk of serious harm.

Mediation confidentiality is subject to the usual legal exceptions.

While every effort is made to provide accurate and professional assistance, no guarantee can be given regarding:

• court outcomes,

• agreements reached,

• or decisions made by third parties.

Johanna Steward Family Mediation & Court Support shall not be liable for:

• indirect loss,

• consequential loss,

• or losses arising from reliance on information provided.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy.

Information will only be used for the purposes of providing agreed services.

We aim to provide a professional and supportive service at all times.

Any complaints should be raised in writing via:

Email: info@johannasteward.co.uk

We will aim to respond within 14 days.

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Johanna Steward Family Mediation & Court Support
Monument View, Back Street
Langtoft, Driffield
YO25 3TD

Email: info@johannasteward.co.uk
Telephone: 07375 110536