Mediation

mediation

Mediation is an alternative way to separate or divorce.  It allows you to work through your situation to find the best way to resolve any issues involving your finances and/or your children.

The Ministry of Justice have released a video that explains the process and how separating couples make the best decisions for their future:

What are the benefits of mediation?

While this process offers divorcing or separating couples a very different path to more traditional family law solutions, the reasons you may wish to consider mediation include:

  • It keeps channels of communication open
  • It provides a neutral environment which can reduce tension and hostility
  • It will help you make more informed decisions based upon your personal circumstances
  • It can help couples avoid costly legal battles
  • It will show your children you can still work together to resolve the most important issues

What does mediation involve?

The first step is to arrange a (MIAM) appointment. If you and your partner would like to mediate (and we encourage couples to contact us direct but alternatively solicitors can also refer any of their clients who would prefer mediation) and we consider mediation to be suitable, we’ll arrange a date for your first joint meeting.

During the meetings you will have the opportunity to have your say and put your points of view forward.  Your mediator’s role is to make sure you are both heard.

Throughout the process your mediator will remain totally impartial so they can manage the process, gather the necessary information, provide what you need to make informed decisions and make sure your options are workable before summarising the decisions you’ve made.

Although each mediation is different people generally require between 3 and 6 sessions of about 2 hours each and you’ll be able to discuss any of the points raised with your own solicitor between meetings.

At the conclusion of the process your mediator will produce comprehensive documents for you including a Memorandum of Understanding which will set out the proposals you reached during the mediation and a Financial Statement that sets out a summary of your final financial disclosure.

How much does mediation cost?

A Mediation information assessment meeting is £150.00 plus VAT per person (£180.00)

The hourly rate per person for Family Mediation is £150.00 per hour, plus VAT (£180.00).

We are not able to offer Legal Aid (Publicly Funded).

These fees apply to:

  • The initial Mediation Preparation meeting at £150.00 plus VAT per person
  • Face-to-face sessions (usually 1.5 – 2 hours)
  • A review of any financial documents between meetings (usually 1 hour)
  • The preparation of the summaries of each session (usually 1 hour)
  • The Open Financial Statement (usually 2 – 3 hours)
  • The Memorandum of Understanding (usually 2 – 3 hours)

Please note there is no charge for routine letters and phone calls.

If you would like to find out more about how mediation could help you please contact us at Bernadette.Hoy@CollinsHoy.com  or Aisling.Collins@CollinsHoy.com on 0208 866 1820.