Family Mediation Solicitors

What is family law mediation and how does it work?

Family law mediation is a voluntary and confidential process primarily used for separating couples to discuss issues which arise out of their separation or divorce. Individuals wanting to keep costs proportionate, and to maintain (or create) an amicable relationship, particularly where there are children involved, often find mediation is best for them.

Mediation allows both individuals a safe space to explore any issues arising and to discuss and reality test proposals made. The mediator’s role is to act as an even handed and, importantly, a neutral facilitator of the conversation. One of the main advantages of mediation is that an environment is created where both individuals feel able to raise any concerns and anxieties they have, and to really feel they are being heard, before solutions are shared and discussed. Mediation is an excellent way to promote effective communication.

Mediation takes place over a number of joint sessions with both individuals and the mediator present. Depending on the issues to be discussed, most clients will attend 4-8 sessions. Our family mediation solicitors recommend that you instruct an independent solicitor to provide you with legal advice alongside the process. Once you have had legal advice about the proposal reached, your solicitor can then complete the legal formalities.

With expert, sensitive assistance from a solicitor mediator, you will have control of the process and reach a decision that suits you and your family. The benefits are manifold and include:

• The environment of mutual respect and confidentiality often improves communication, empathy and trust, which helps to preserve future relationships

• In respect of children matters, mediation often assists in developing and maintaining effective co-parenting relationships. Agreements reached through mediation are more likely to be adhered to by the parents, due to the fact the parents, having control over the process, are often better able to develop custom-made outcomes to meet their children’s unique needs and the family’s requirements

• You can control the timing and progress and are more likely to get an outcome that works for you as a couple, compared with lengthy and often bitter court battles

• Using a solicitor mediator (as opposed to a non legally trained mediator), your mediator will have practical working knowledge of the family law system and can provide information as to that process and the considerations to be borne in mind if the matter were to be litigated in court.

Why choose TWM Solicitors?

At TWM Solicitors, we have been offering mediation to clients for over 20 years. Our specialist family solicitor mediators are available to assist at any of our offices by arrangement.  Mediation appointments can also be facilitated by way of video conferencing. We offer mediation to help with:

• Decisions around the divorce process

• Living arrangements for everyone, in the short term and longer term,  when a couple are separating

• Financial matters relating to separation or divorce

• Arrangements for children

• Issues between separating couples who are not married.

For more information on our family law mediation services, please contact a member our Family Law team here, or call us on 0330 555 0440.

Caroline Keeley, Partner, Mediator and Head of Family Law Email Caroline

Sarah Archibald, Managing Associate Solicitor and Mediator in Family Law Email Sarah