‘At Rethink Mediation, we are dedicated to creating a calm and respectful space to rethink and discuss futures’
Lorraine MacNay is a Family Mediation Council [FMC] Accredited All Issues Family Mediator as well as an FMC Professional Practice Consultant [PPC].
Lorraine has a wealth of experience spanning four decades working with children, young people and their families in multi-disciplinary settings such as Leeds Children’s Services.
Lorraine completed her training to become an accredited Family Mediator with Family Matters Mediate in Doncaster, whom she still provides mediation services to. As part of her role at FMM, Lorraine facilitated the Separate Parent’s Information Programme [SPIP] to parent’s going through the court process for three years on behalf of Cafcass.
Meet Lorraine
As founder of Rethink Mediation, Lorraine is passionate about providing professional affordable family mediation to everyone. Lorraine understands reducing conflict between parents is essential to support children’s experience moving between their parent’s care.
Lorraine has extensive experience in financial mediation and adopts a compassionate pragmatic approach to manage requirements of legal disclosure resulting in robust financial agreements that the court can authorise and make legally binding.
Lorraine is adept at guiding the mediation process with sensitivity and expertise, empowering people to feel heard, understood and supported as they build practical, sustainable agreements for the future.
See what clients say about working with Lorraine and how her mediation sessions have helped them. Read testimonials.
How mediation works
We offer a step-by-step process that helps you explore options, make decisions, and reach practical agreements. Explore the stages from referral to finalising agreements, showing how each part works and what to expect along the way.
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Mediation begins when a referral is made. You can book a referral by completing our referral form with your details. Once received, the mediator will contact you to arrange a private Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
The MIAM is a confidential, one-to-one meeting with the mediator. It is your opportunity to:
Explain your situation and the challenges you are facing.
Learn how mediation works and what to expect.
Explore alternatives to court proceedings.
Ask any questions you may have about the process, timing, or legal considerations.
Decide whether mediation feels like the right step for you.
The MIAM ensures that everyone understands the process and feels prepared before any joint mediation sessions take place. It is a safe, neutral space for you to consider your options and make an informed decision about moving forward.
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If both people agree to continue, mediation sessions are arranged. These can include joint sessions where everyone is present together, or separate sessions if you prefer. The mediator provides a neutral and balanced space, ensuring everyone can be heard and supported.
The focus is on practical, future-focused solutions, while respecting your comfort and boundaries. You can share your views safely, without feeling pressured to speak directly to the other person if that is not right for you.
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Agreements are formed about children, finances, or communication. This can include decisions about child arrangements, parenting plans, education, financial settlements, division of property, or ongoing communication strategies.
The mediator helps you explore options, consider practical solutions, and reach agreements that are realistic, fair, and sustainable. These agreements are tailored to the unique needs of everyone involved and can be adapted to suit future circumstances.
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After agreements have been reached in mediation, the mediator can prepare a written summary of the outcomes. This document clearly records the decisions and arrangements you have agreed on, covering areas such as child arrangements, financial settlements, or communication plans.
The written summary can be used in several ways:
As a reference for you and the other person, to ensure everyone understands and remembers what was agreed.
To share with a solicitor or legal professional if you wish to make the agreements legally binding.
To provide the court with a clear record, if required, so the agreements can be formalised.
The summary is prepared in clear, practical language and reflects exactly what was agreed in mediation. It helps turn discussions and decisions into actionable steps for the future, providing clarity and certainty for all involved.