FAMILY AND MATRIMONIAL LAW - MEDIATION QUESTIONS
Mediation Questions
What are the aims of mediation?
To reach a fair solution and to make future arrangements about children.
What does mediation cost?
The costs of mediation are shared equally by the couple. The hourly rate is £200 per hour plus VAT (£100.00 plus £17.50 VAT each). In some cases, mediation can be free. The mediator will assess financial eligibility for publicly funded mediation at the pre-mediation assessment meeting.
What is a pre-mediation assessment meeting?
At this meeting the mediator will assess whether your case is suitable for mediation since not all cases are.
Do I have to attend this meeting alone or can my partner attend?
You can attend this meeting alone but your partner will be given the opportunity to attend a meeting. If you attend together, the mediator will see each of you alone for a short period. The aim of this meeting is to tell you about family mediation, answer your questions, assess financial eligibility and whether the case is suitable for mediation. The meeting is likely to last about 45 minutes.
What should I bring to a pre-mediation meeting?
Your National Insurance Number and details of your last week/month's earnings/details of any benefit you are receiving.
What happens after a pre-mediation meeting?
If you are seen alone and your partner refuses to attend a meeting, mediation cannot proceed.
If your case is assessed as suitable for mediation, you will come into the process of mediation and will meet with the mediator for a number of sessions who will manage the discussions and disclosure of information between you so that you can have informed discussions.
The end result of the mediation process are documents upon which you can take legal advice. Your proposals can be translated into Court Orders. You can go and see a solicitor or seek legal advice at any time during the mediation process.
What are the advantages of mediation?
- It can be much cheaper than litigation.
- It is couple driven process not a lawyer led process so the couple remain in control.
- It is quicker than dealing with matters through the Courts.
- It helps preserve the parenting partnership and can help improve communication.
- Research has shown that it produces settlements which last longer.
- Children can be consulted as part of the process so feel that they have been heard.
Free Enquiry
If you would like to speak to one of our specialist family team members please call us on 01243 786 668 or complete our online enquiry form.