Mediation
How Does Mediation Work?
- Mediation starts by each person having an individual meeting with the Mediator to discuss the issues involved and consider what they want to achieve from the process
- Subsequently the couple will attend joint sessions with the Mediator to talk over and review the options, with a view to making an agreement
- If agreement is reached the Mediator will detail this in a “Memorandum of Understanding”. This is then passed to the couple’s individual solicitors, for them to provide legal advice and either prepare a consent order or other binding document
- It is important to note that the Mediator is independent and does not offer legal advice to either party
Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM)
Mediation often involves making decisions about parenting arrangements for children. Child Inclusive Mediation enables the children’s voices to be heard.
In CIM the Mediator will meet with the children (usually age 10+) to find out their thoughts. These meetings are confidential and their comments will only be passed on to their parents with the children’s permission.
Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings
Sometimes relationship breakdown will result in Court proceedings being commenced.
In this instance, in the majority of cases (there are exceptions e.g. for Domestic Abuse), the couple will be required to undertake a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to provide them with information about dispute resolution, and assess if agreement can be reached without going through the court process.
Justine Soper – Accredited Family Mediator
Justine qualified as a Family Mediator in 2003 so has extensive practical experience helping couples reach agreements post separation/divorce.
Typically, she helps with:
- Financial issues
- Parenting arrangements
- Living arrangements whilst longer term issues are still being dealt with
- Interim finances to deal with any immediate difficulties arising on separation
Justine is also experienced in providing:
- Child Inclusive Mediation
- Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings
Justine’s calm and measured approach and methodology of asking questions and considering all possible outcomes, works especially well in mediation.
As an added bonus, clients also comment that our beautiful offices in a converted barn definitely induce a more relaxed atmosphere, which seems to help mediation discussions. Online meetings can also be arranged.
Please do get in touch if you would like Justine to help with your mediation and act as a mediator for you.