Mediation

Most people going through a divorce or separation would rather avoid having to go to Court, if possible. Mediators are trained to help people resolve disputes. A mediator will meet with you and your partner (this can be separately) and will identify those issues you cannot agree on and help you to try and reach a solution. Mediators are impartial/neutral and will not take sides in a dispute. They are not advisers and will not give advice on your individual position to either of you and will usually recommend that you each obtain legal advice alongside the mediation process.

Ms Penny Rogers, of the Michelmores Family Law Service, is an experienced solicitor who deals with all aspects of family law. Penny is also an experienced family mediator. She is therefore able to provide expert guidance on the process of mediation, how it works and the likely outcome.

Mediation is not a marriage guidance service and does not seek to keep couples together.

Family mediation helps couples (whether married or not) to discuss and resolve any issues connected with a separation or divorce in a thoughtful and co-operative way. Mediation aims to improve communication and reduce bitterness – and consequently benefit any children involved.

The subjects that you might wish to discuss could include:

• arrangements for the children;
• what are you going to say to the children and how;
• the home and future accommodation for each of you;
• financial support;
• child maintenance;
• sorting out the money – house, endowment policies, shares, savings, pensions;
• the contents of the house;
• whether divorce proceedings are appropriate.

Since 6 April 2011, if a couple are unable to agree about the split of their finances or, if they cannot agree about arrangements for the children, they will be asked to attend a Family Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before they are able to commence Court proceedings.