Separating Together and Out of Court Family Law Solutions
No matter how amicable a divorce or separation may initially be, there are often a wide range of matters which can be hard to agree on. Family mediation is an effective method for resolving these disagreements, while keeping conflict to a minimum and reducing the potential for contentious court proceedings. As a result, mediation is often also less costly and quicker.
Initiating mediation proceedings with your former partner may be a daunting prospect, especially if you are not sure how the process works or what outcome you are looking to achieve. Receiving carefully tailored advice and having a clear plan in place is therefore essential to ensure you are able to reach a beneficial outcome.
At WSP Solicitors, our expert family mediation solicitors can guide you through the mediation process from start to finish, providing comprehensive support that facilitates a safe environment for you to reach an agreement with your former partner.
Our team are members of Resolution, and are accredited specialists with the Law Society Family Law and Children Panels, reflecting our high level of expertise in handling even the most sensitive issues.
It is important to note that mediation may not be the most suitable option for every couple, which is why at the outset you will individually meet with our family mediator and have a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting). At this initial meeting you will have the opportunity to learn more about the mediation process and explore ways to find a solution.
If you decide mediation is not for you an alternative could be Resolution Together (also referred to as One Solicitor, One Divorce), allows our solicitors to work with you and your former partner jointly, helping to prevent any unnecessary conflict during the separation process.
See our page on Resolution Together to find out whether it may be right for your circumstances.
For expert support with mediation, please contact your local WSP family law solicitors in Gloucester or Stroud today.
If you have a question about our family mediation services, or would like to request a callback, you can also use our simple online enquiry form.
While mediation is a less formal and contentious process compared to court proceedings, there is still a strict process that needs to be followed. As such, it is important that you have as much information as possible prior to starting mediation so you know exactly what to expect.
When instructed, our mediation solicitors can provide you with all the initial information you need about the process and help you and your partner reach an agreement.
While mediation sessions are ongoing, our team can also help you and your partner to explore and consider the various options in view of your own priorities, as well as your present and future needs. A great advantage of mediation is that you and your partner lead the discussion and reach an agreement which works for both of you rather than having a decision imposed on you by the court.
After completing the mediation process, your mediator will provide a concluding document, outlining everything that has been agreed between you and your former partner. In the case of mediation relating to children this will likely be a parenting plan. Where you have reached a financial agreement this will be a document called a Memorandum of Understanding, which can then be turned into a Financial Consent Order and filed at court to become binding on the parties.
There may be a situation where an agreement cannot be reached following multiple sessions of family mediation. If it transpires that family mediation is not successful, or your former partner is not willing to engage in proceedings, our team can work alongside you to establish an alternative course of action.
We have expertise in other methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, which can be explored where appropriate. We can also step in to support you if it appears that taking a matter to court is the only course of action available.
For expert support with mediation, please contact your local WSP family law solicitors in Gloucester or Stroud today.
If you have a question about our family mediation services, or would like to request a callback, you can also use our simple online enquiry form.
Family mediation is a process where a trained mediator helps separating couples discuss and resolve issues such as finances or child arrangements in an amicable, non-confrontational way.
Yes, both parties must be willing to engage in the mediation process. Mediation is voluntary, and it requires cooperation to reach a resolution.
Mediation itself is not legally binding. However, agreements reached during mediation can be formalised into legally binding documents, such as a Financial Consent Order or a parenting plan.
If mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, alternative options such as Collaborative Law or court proceedings may need to be considered with support from your solicitor.
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