Mediation is a process to help couples who have
decided
to seperate or divorce talk about the things that are
important to
them and make decisions for the future.
Couples will have
several sessions with the mediator to help them reach
agreement.
Five or six one and a half hour sessions is not
unusual.
The
mediator will give impartial guidance so that you understand what
matters to you, and can make your own choices about the best way
forward. The mediator will help you find informed and
practical
solutions, which feel fair to the two of you and your family. Decisions
may involve, for example, how you will share the care and parenting of
the children. The mediator will help you devise a 'parenting
plan'. You may also want to discuss how the finances or
pensions
will be organized and what will happen to the family home.
During the mediation process you can each consult your own
solicitors at any time for independent legal advice.
Your
resolution mediator will also be a practising solicitor and whilst not
giving legal advice, will understand the law as well as being trained
in mediation skills.
Mediation aims to reduce tension and hostility, keep
communication channels open and save the cost of expensive court battles
Mediation helps children by showing parents working
together to resolve issues.