Consent Orders in Mediation – What Every Mediator Needs to Know

Event Description:

This one-hour CPD session will equip family mediators with a clear understanding of consent orders—what they are, when they are needed, and how mediators can support clients through the legal process without offering legal advice.

We are delighted to welcome Karen Taylor, solicitor at Essex Family Law and trustee of The Family Mediation Trust, who brings her legal expertise and deep understanding of mediation practice to this essential session.

Karen will cover:

• What a consent order is and why clients may need one
• When and why a mediated agreement should be made legally binding
• The solicitor’s role and the steps involved in turning agreements into court-approved orders
• How mediators can support the process ethically and effectively
• Common pitfalls that can lead to an order being rejected
• Practical tips for drafting clear, consent-order-ready agreements

Who should attend

This session is designed for:

• Family mediators (legal aid and private)
• Trainee and newly accredited mediators
• Professionals supporting families through separation
• Anyone involved in turning mediation outcomes into legal documents

About the speaker

Karen Taylor is a practising solicitor and founding partner at Essex Family Law, with over 20 years of experience in family law. As a trustee of The Family Mediation Trust, she brings a rare and valuable insight into both the legal and practical sides of mediation. Her work focuses on enabling families to move forward through clear, fair and legally sound agreements.