Family Mediation
Is Your Relationship Breaking Down? -
- then contact Sue Harrison by e-mail at srh@thosflavell.co.uk
The ending of a relationship can often spark off many emotions - hurt, loss, bitterness, anger, distrust and even hate. Issues which need to be resolved whether over children or financial matters often turn into a contest with the need to win becoming more important than what might be best in the circumstances. Children, in particular, are damaged by seeing the people they love fighting each other in often costly Court proceedings.
Mediation is a realistic alternative to this conflict and can offer a workable solution to the problems that arise when a relationship ends.
Both married and unmarried couples and civil partners can use mediation to resolve issues.
Mediation is not counselling nor does it attempt to encourage couples to reconcile.
What is Mediation?
Mediation gives you the opportunity to find your own solutions to the conflicts which arise from the breakdown of the relationship within a framework provided by an independent Mediator. It keeps people talking, focusing on the future rather than the past and making them partners in any decisions made.
In informal meetings with an independent, qualified Mediator you are able to identify the issues in dispute and work towards a true resolution of the conflict rather than have a decision imposed upon you by the Court.
All discussions in mediation are confidential and may not be produced to a Court without agreement.
You are free to consult a Solicitor at any time during the mediation.
Once agreement has been reached, your Solicitor will draw up a legally binding document.
When to Mediate?
Mediation can be useful to you at any stage in the relationship breakdown, or even long after the initial separation, if there are still unresolved conflicts. Couples can use mediation to help then decide how best to separate to minimise the impact on the children.
The Benefits of Mediation
- Mediation encourages co-operation between separating couples and helps them to work towards the future.
- It is often quicker and more cost effective than other ways of resolving disputes.
- You remain in charge of your own decision making and are partners in any decisions made.
- Mediation can be used to resolve disputes relating to financial and children issues rising from the separation.
How Do I Start Mediation?
Often one party makes the initial enquiry and we then contact the other party and invite them to take part in the mediation. Mediation only works if both people attend voluntarily.
How Mediation Works
Mediation sessions usually last for an hour and a half at a time and are spread over several weeks. The number of sessions and the time between them is for you to decide. The charge for the service is divided between the participating parties in whatever proportion you decide.
In financial matters forms will be provided which will need to be completed and exchanged so that you each have a clear picture of your respective financial positions.
Sue Harrison is a trained mediator.