Family Law | Mediation

Mediation

When a relationship breaks down this impacts deeply upon all those involved.

As emotions and tensions are high it is often difficult for couples to discuss their concerns together to enable them to move forward.

Traditionally, family lawyers have been there to advise parties of their options and ensure that a fair and reasonable resolution is achieved.

Turbervilles Family Mediation Service is an alternative process that can assist couples who have decided to separate or divorce.

Mediation is therefore an important and alternative route to assist families in resolving their issues in an informal way with the aim of trying to avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

Mediation aims to provide an informal forum whereby couples will meet with a mediator to discuss their concerns in respect of the financial issues and how these are organised and how the children will be cared for.

The mediator is a neutral party whose role is to create an environment, which will facilitate the discussions of the couple to enable them to effectively discuss their concerns and move forward.

This can reduce tension and hostility between the couple during this difficult time and has the added benefit of ensuring that the channels of communication remain open.

Mediation aims to provide impartial guidance through a number of meetings to help couples understand what matters to them and to support them in their decision making process.

All conversations at mediation are confidential and not binding. If an agreement is reached that the couple are happy with then this is recorded by the mediator in a Memorandum of Understanding. Often, this Memorandum of Understanding can be taken to the solicitors of the couple. The Memorandum of Understanding can then be drafted into a formal and legal agreement.

If an agreement is not reached at mediation then the couple may have to return to their respective solicitors to resolve their concerns and can consult their own solicitors at any time in the process.

We are finding that more and more families are using mediation as a platform from which to move forward.

As well as being a trained Resolution Mediator Kate Ryan is also a qualified solicitor and Partner in charge of Turbervilles Family team. This means that Kate is ideally placed to understand the needs of couples involved in divorce and separation.

If you would like to find out more about mediation or make an appointment to meet with a mediator then please contact Kate Ryan on the details set out below.

Kate.ryan@turbervilles.co.uk

01895 201 763