Mediation

For many, mediation can be a cost-effective and efficient way to resolve disputes than going to court. 

Sessions can be held face to face or virtually, meaning it is truly flexible and can fit your everyday life and existing commitments.

The preparation and disclosure requirements are less onerous that those involved in litigation.

Mediation is a voluntary process, and all discussions are held confidentially (‘without prejudice’). Mediation facilitates agreements, on your own terms, rather than a court imposing a decision on you. That can be particularly important and powerful where children are involved.

We have several effective, robust mediators we can recommend. Behind the scenes, we can assist with specific tasks (such as financial disclosure) and provide advice on proposals made during the process. Once negotiations have concluded and an agreement reached, we can help with the drafting of financial consent orders and/or parenting agreements.

Benefits of mediation:

Control – you are able to make your own informed decisions as to what is right for your family, rather than a decision being imposed upon you.

Flexibility – sessions can be arranged at times and places (including virtually) to suit you. You also control the timescales and pace between sessions and appropriate to your individual matter.

Dialogue – a mediator’s role is to promote constructive and helpful dialogue to help you reach a positive resolution. Reaching an agreement together is psychologically better than having one imposed on you and often leads to a more harmonious separation and more constructive future co-parenting relationship.

Confidentiality – mediation is a private and confidential process, and all discussions are held ‘without prejudice’. This encourages active negotiation and discussion and agreements reached that may not have been possible in a court arena.

Reduced costs – if successful, mediation can be cheaper and far quicker than court proceedings.

*Whilst mediation is suitable for most, it isn’t for everyone. Mediation is not appropriate if there are issues of harm concerning a child (e.g. allegations of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, if you have experienced domestic violence, or if there is an imbalance of power within the relationship.