Family Mediation

Many separating couples would wish to come to an agreement about their financial affairs or matters relating to the children. There may even be a disagreement as to the timing and basis for any Deed of Separation or divorce. They may not however feel able to discuss the issues constructively between themselves. Mediation creates a neutral, safe place with highly skilled professional Mediators in attendance who will help you reach an agreement.

Family Mediation Questions & Answer

01. Why Mediate?
02. What is the Mediator’s role?
03. How does Mediation work?
04. Do I have to give full disclosure of my financial situation?
05. Will our children be involved in Mediation?
06. How much will it cost?
07. What should I do?
08. How long will this take?

01. Why Mediate?

1. Speed – generally three to six sessions of one and a half hours each, particularly where financial issues are involved are sufficient to resolve most cases.
2. Expense – You jointly pay for each session with a Mediator/Mediators with a potential saving of thousands of pounds in individual legal fees for a dispute resulting in court proceedings.
3. You retain a degree of control and the dignity of reaching your own agreed solutions rather than having an uncertain result imposed upon you by the court in contested proceedings.

02. What is the Mediator’s role?
The Mediator will not make decisions for you nor give advice. Their job is to;

• Be impartial and independent.
• Provide you with information to help you reach your own informed decisions
• Help you to resolve conflict and reach joint solutions.
• Help you focus on the future and be problem solving.

03. How does Mediation Work?
The Mediator or Mediators help each of you clarify what issues need resolution and what it is hoped each would wish to achieve. From there the Mediators will help you explore options and test those options to see which will work in practice. The Mediators can help each person to speak and to be heard. If firm proposals are reached, these are incorporated into a document which though not legally binding can subsequently be turned into a legally binding agreement by your respective solicitors.

04. Do I have to give full disclosure of my financial situation?
Yes. Although not within the court structure, mediation is conducted within the framework of the law and one of the key components of that framework is for each of the couple to give full and frank disclosure of their circumstances.

05. Will our children be involved in the Mediation?
Not automatically but the Mediators can discuss with you how to talk to the children about the changes that will be happening and help them to understand the changes. It is important that the children can express their concerns and it is sometimes possible for the children to be seen and what they say brought back to the mediation.

06. How long will this take?
Generally, Mediation is speedier than issuing proceedings and being locked into a court time-table.  It is you and your former partner’s decision as to how many Mediation sessions are required.  Your Mediator will give you guidance on this.

07. How much will it cost?
Charges are made on an hourly basis.  Please contact us for details of our current charges.

08. What should I do?
Please contact Val Nunn or Penny Richings who will send you information and advise you of the current charging rates.  If you wish either can at that stage fix the first Mediation session.

Tel: 01702 337315 or 01702 348384
Fax: 01702 433424
E-Mail: valnunn@beechamfisherridley.co.uk
            penny@beechamfisherridley.co.uk

Beecham Fisher Ridley Mediation
26 Clifftown Road
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS1 1AH