Family Mediation Solicitors in the UK

What Is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary and hidden process to help separating or divorcing couples resolve their disputes outside of the court system. A neutral third party, family mediation lawyers, helps the parties talk to each other and find mutually cooperative solutions on issues like child custody mediation, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony) and property division.

Benefits of choosing mediation over litigation:

• Less Conflict: Mediation encourages communication and cooperation, not conflict.
• Cheaper: Mediation is generally cheaper than litigation as it avoids long court proceedings and legal fees.
• Quicker Resolutions: Mediation can get agreements faster than court cases which can drag on for months or even years.
• More Control: Parties in mediation have control over the decision making process, not like court where a judge makes the final decision.
• Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential, so family matters stay private.
• Better Relationships: Mediation can help preserve relationships, especially for parental mediation.

The Role of Family Mediation Solicitors

Family mediators work alongside you throughout the mediation process. They are lawyers specialising in family law who act as your advisor, advocate and facilitator.

Key roles of family mediators:

• Preparation: Helping you gather the information and documents for legal mediation
• Advice: Giving you legal advice on family law and mediation and what might happen in mediation.
• Negotiation: Helping you to negotiate and express your needs and wants during mediation.
• Drafting Agreements: Drawing up the legally binding agreements that emerge from mediation.

Why Choose Family Mediation?

Family mediation has many advantages over going to court:

• Privacy and Confidentiality: Mediation is private so family matters stay private.
• Cost: Mediation is usually cheaper than going to court and saves you thousands of dollars in legal fees.
• Speed: Mediation can be faster than court.
• Less Stress: Mediation is collaborative so less stress and emotional harm for families.
• Better Outcomes: Mediation agreements are more tailored to your specific situation.

How to Choose the Right Family Mediation Lawyer

Choosing the right family mediation lawyer is key to a successful mediation. Consider:

• Accreditation: Is the lawyer accredited by a recognised mediation body like the Family Mediation Council?
• Experience: Is the lawyer experienced in family mediation and has a good success rate?
• Approach to Mediation: Is the lawyer’s approach to mediation in line with your values and communication style?
• Empathy and Understanding: Does the lawyer show empathy and understanding of the emotional side of family disputes?

How to find the right solicitor:

• Ask around: Ask friends, family or other professionals.
• Online research: Check solicitor profiles and reviews on trusted sites.
• Book a consultation: Meet with potential solicitors to talk about your case.

The Family Mediation Process Explained

The mediation process involves:

1. Initial Consultation: Each party meets with the mediator to talk about the issues and see if mediation is for you.
2. Joint Sessions: Both parties meet with the mediator to talk about the issues, find common ground and explore options.
3. Negotiation and Agreement: The mediation attorney helps the parties negotiate and reach an agreement.
4. Drafting of Agreement: The mediator or solicitors will draft a legally binding agreement.

Common Issues Addressed in Family Mediation

Family mediation can be used to resolve many issues including:

• Child Custody and Visitation: Living arrangements, visitation schedules and decision making for children.
• Child Support: Calculating child support based on the financial resources and needs of both parents.
• Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Whether spousal support is necessary and how much and for how long.

Property Division: Assets and liabilities acquired during the relationship including real estate, investments and debts.

Preparing for Family Mediation

Preparation is key to getting good outcomes. A prepared family will navigate the process more smoothly and get lasting agreements. Gather information by collecting all financial documents like bank statements, recent tax returns, pay stubs, investment account statements and any valuations of shared property.

This gives you a clear picture of the family’s financial situation which is important for fair negotiations. Identify your priorities by clarifying what matters most to you in the mediation process. What are your non-negotiables? What are you willing to compromise on? Understanding your objectives will allow you to stay focused and make informed decisions. Be open to other perspectives and solutions.

Mediation is about finding the middle ground and creating win-win situations. Flexibility and being open to creative solutions can lead to better agreements. Seek support from friends, family or professionals. Mediation can be emotionally tough so having a support network in place is vital.

Consider individual counselling or therapy to help manage stress and anxiety during the process. Remember the goal of mediation is to find solutions for everyone involved. By preparing well and approaching the process positively you will increase the chances of a good outcome for the whole family.

FAQs about Family Mediation Solicitors in the UK

Do you need a lawyer for mediation?

Not essential but having a lawyer at mediation can give you legal advice and protect your interests.

How much is family mediation in the UK?

Cost of family mediation varies depending on the issues and number of sessions. Less than litigation. Some families may be eligible for government funding or legal aid to help with the cost.

What is family mediation and how does it work?

Family mediation is a process where a neutral third party (mediator) helps separating or divorcing couples agree on issues such as child arrangements, finances and property. Joint sessions and individual meetings with the mediator to facilitate communication and negotiation.

How long does the family mediation process take?

Length of family mediation alters depending on the issues and how cooperative the parties are. But can be done in weeks or months compared to court proceedings.

Can family mediation be used for all types of family disputes?

Family mediation is suitable for all sorts of family disputes including divorce, separation, child arrangements, financial matters and inheritance disputes. But not for domestic violence or child abuse.

What if we can’t agree through mediation?

If mediation doesn’t work then the parties can go to collaborative law or litigation. But even a partial agreement through mediation can help narrow down the issues for further resolution.

What are the benefits of mediation over court?

Mediation has several benefits over court including lower cost, faster resolution, less stress, more control over the outcome and better relationships.

Where mediation may not be suitable?

Mediation may not be suitable for domestic violence, child abuse or where there is a power imbalance between the parties. In those situations other dispute resolution methods or legal remedies may be more appropriate.

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