What Should I Wear to Family Mediation?
You’ve booked your family mediation session. You know when it is, you know where you need to be (or you’ve got the online link), and then another question pops into your head:
What am I actually supposed to wear?
It might seem like a small thing, but it’s a perfectly reasonable question. If you’ve never attended mediation before, you might be wondering whether you need to dress formally, particularly if your situation also involves solicitors or the Family Court. The good news is that mediation isn’t court — and there’s no formal dress code.
Do I Need to Dress Smartly for Mediation?
No. You don't need to wear a suit, formal workwear or anything else simply because you're attending mediation. Of course, if dressing smartly makes you feel more comfortable and confident, that's absolutely fine too.
The important thing is to wear something that allows you to feel comfortable and focus on the conversation, rather than worrying about what you're wearing. For some people, that's jeans and a jumper. For somebody else, it might be the clothes they would normally wear to work. There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Think Comfortable, Not Courtroom
Family mediation can involve conversations about things that matter enormously to you — your children, your home, your finances and your future. You may be sitting and talking for a while, so comfort matters. If an outfit is uncomfortable, distracting or makes you feel unlike yourself, it's probably not the best choice for mediation.
You don't need to dress to impress the mediator either. Your mediator isn't there to judge you based on how you're dressed. Their role is to remain impartial and help you both have constructive discussions about the issues you need to resolve.
What About Online Mediation?
The same principle applies if your mediation takes place online. You don't need to dress as though you're appearing in court simply because you're joining a professional video meeting.
Wear something you feel comfortable and presentable in, and give a little more thought to your surroundings instead. Try to find somewhere private where you won't be interrupted and where you feel able to speak freely. And, tempting as it might be, we'd probably recommend changing out of the pyjamas.
Should I Dress to Make a Good Impression?
It's understandable to want to make a good impression, particularly if you're feeling nervous. But mediation isn't about persuading the mediator that you're the better-dressed, more professional or more reasonable person. The mediator doesn't take sides. There isn't a prize for the smartest outfit, and wearing a suit won't give you an advantage.
What matters far more is being able to take part in the conversation, explain what is important to you, listen to what is being discussed and consider the options available.
What If The Other Party Dresses Very Formally?
Let them.If the other person arrives in a suit and you've turned up in jeans, it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.Equally, if you prefer dressing formally because it makes you feel more prepared, that's fine too. Choose what works for you.
Wear Something That Helps You Feel Like Yourself
Perhaps the simplest advice is this:
Wear something comfortable that helps you feel like yourself.
You may be discussing difficult or emotional subjects during family mediation. Removing one unnecessary worry from the day can only help. So if you've been staring into your wardrobe wondering what you're expected to wear to mediation, you can stop worrying. There's no special outfit required.
Ready to Start Family Mediation?
If you're considering family mediation, the first stage will usually be an individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
At ERS Mediation, we'll explain the process, answer your questions and help you understand whether family mediation is suitable for your circumstances.
And no — you don't need to wear a suit to your MIAM either.