Mediation
Mediation is a process whereby an impartial and trained third party helps you and your partner to communicate more effectively about your problems and thereby resolve any difficulties or disagreements.
One advantage of mediation is that the mediator will be both trained and experienced in helping couples in these difficult situations and can help to ensure that one person is not excessively pressurised into a decision or their views are not listened too. The mediator can help to cut through the bitterness that is often present when a relationship ends to get to the heart of the issues that need to be addressed.
If the matters are resolved through mediation then this can save a great deal of money by removing the need to apply to Court. This can be particularly important in cases where the marital assets are being divided up and there is already scarcely enough money to go round.
Additionally, it is our experience that when couples come to an agreement with each other they are far more likely to stick to this than if a decision is made by the Court and they do not agree with it. Of course, not all cases are suitable for mediation particularly if there are issues of Domestic Violence in the relationship. The mediator will arrange to talk to both parties individually initially to assess whether this is a suitable case for mediation. Your solicitor will also be happy to discuss any concerns regarding mediation that you may have.
If a resolution is reached in mediation then, if Court proceedings have been issued, a Consent Order can be agreed which will reflect the progress made in mediation. This means both parties will have the security of knowing that the arrangements are part of a Court Order and therefore "official". Even if there are no Court proceedings, the mediator will help the parties draw up a document to reflect the agreements that the parties have reached as part of the mediation process.
Adams Moore has a number of trained Mediators, including Clare Cain and Nicolette Zarka, who manage the Divorce, Separation and Financial Teams at our Milton Keynes and Luton offices.