Mediation

Mediation Procedures

Mediation on separation or divorce is undertaken under the family mediation Code of Practice of Resolution, usually as a sole mediator but where appropriate with a co-mediator, who may be a professional with experience in marital and family work. In either event, this provides a supportive, professional forum in which a couple can be helped to deal with all issues arising on separation and divorce, including for example the practicalities of separation, the question of divorce, arrangements for children, housing, property and capital adjustments, maintenance and any other issues which either party may raise.

Mediation is generally undertaken with the couple together, and if separate discussions are exceptionally by agreement held with either party, the matters discussed are brought back into the joint session. When working in this way, separate confidences are not maintained as between the couple.

In all cases parties will not be required to reach any complete and binding agreements in the mediation without having had the opportunity to review matters with their own solicitors. Summaries of the financial information and of the settlement proposals will be furnished to the parties for this purpose as required.

Mediation Time and Cost

Mediation sessions generally last 1½ hours each. The number of sessions will depend on the issues: 5 or 6 sessions are not uncommon, but more or less may be needed. They may take place at approximately fortnightly intervals or as otherwise agreed. Parties do not need to commit to any fixed number of sessions but can decide at the end of each session if they wish to continue. Costs are shared equally between the couple or as otherwise agreed.

Download a copy of the Brachers Agreement to Mediate.

Mary Raymont, a Solicitor admitted in 1992, offers Mediation on separation and divorce and on all kinds of issues arising on separation and divorce, including disagreements regarding children, and all kinds of financial, property and trust issues.

About Resolution (formerly Solicitors Family Law Association)

Resolution was established in 1982 and has as one of its main objectives the encouragement of sensitive, efficient and economic handling by its members of family issues. Another objective is to promote and encourage the use of mediation, which in any event is now becoming more widespread as a result of the new Family Law legislation.

Resolution mediators are all practicing lawyers, who have undergone an extensive mediation training programme, and are subject to regulation by the association. They work to a Code of Practice which follows internationally accepted principles. They have no authority to impose decisions, but assist parties in working out their own arrangements for themselves and their children, and with regard to property, finance and all other issues.

Download a copy of the Preliminary Mediation Enquiry Form.