Divorce mediation solicitors
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Our divorce mediation solicitors are here to help divorcing couples find a way forward.
Divorce mediation solicitors can assist with resolving some issues arising upon a separation. The breakdown of a marriage is always an incredibly difficult and stressful situation and there are many different challenges for couples to navigate, both practically and emotionally. Often, the process of agreeing on matters such as division of assets, along with other financial issues and childcare arrangements can prove very difficult, which is where divorce mediation solicitors can assist.
Our experienced and accredited mediators help couples find a resolution that both can accept, so that everyone can start to move forward. A successful divorce mediation process means that the couple do not need to revert to the court process to sort out their arrangements avoiding what can be a costly, time-consuming, stressful and complicated process.
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If you would like to refer a client for mediation, please complete our client referral form.
The advantages of divorce mediation
There are several advantages to using mediation in a divorce, but the most significant of these is that that it is usually quicker and more cost-effective than court proceedings and enables the couple to make their own decisions in a child centred way.
Other advantages include the level of control that the couple have in the mediation process as they decide on the agenda for discussions and what a successful solution looks like for them and their family. In a court setting, they have less control over the situation or the outcome.
Pros and cons of using mediation in a divorce
Some of the pros of mediation for divorce include:
- Mediation is usually faster and more cost effective than going to court.
- Divorce mediation enables both the clients to have their say on what they want to happen for them and their family.
- It is a safe and confidential process.
Some of the cons of mediation for divorce include:
- Mediation isn’t right for every couple going through a divorce and may not be an appropriate process in every situation.
- If divorce mediation fails to resolve the problems, the couple may need to consider other dispute resolution services or ultimately go to court to get a decision from a judge.
The divorce mediation process
Mediation and collaborative law approach are positive alternative methods to resolving issues about your finances and the arrangements for your children, avoiding contested court proceedings.
These processes are less costly in time and fees and lead to a more positive outcome for your family as a whole.
What is the divorce and mediation process?
The divorce mediation process can be tailored to suit a couple’s varying circumstances.
A couple going through a divorce who want to mediate are required to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to see if mediation is suitable for them. They have individual meetings, the content of which remains confidential. If mediation is considered suitable for the couple, then the joint sessions the take place. If not, the mediator in the individual meetings can signpost the client to other dispute resolution services available and discuss the court process.
The mediation process itself usually consists of a number of sessions, where the couple and the mediator meet together to discuss their issues and concerns and try to find a way forward. Each session usually lasts no longer than 90 minutes and the number of sessions required will be down to the couple and the pace of the progress made.
How long does divorce mediation take?
Divorce mediation is a process that can be tailored to the requirements of the couple and their circumstances, so the length of time that it can take will vary. In general terms, usually somewhere between three and six sessions may be required. Sessions can be up to a daylong to try and resolve issues in one go.
The more complex a situation, the longer the divorce mediation process may take.
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How our divorce mediation solicitors can help
At Moore Barlow, our mediation team has extensive experience in helping divorcing couples find a resolution to their disputes. We understand that this can be an incredibly challenging time for everyone involved, so our mediation team approach every session with empathy and expertise, while remaining independent and neutral.
Who our divorce mediation solicitors help
Our divorce mediation team can help separating and divorcing couples who are unable to agree on the arrangements between themselves. They can assist in many ways, guiding discussions around how to divide the assets between them, or organise a plan for when the children will spend time with each parent and where they shall live.
When a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, there are inevitably practical arrangements and decisions that need to be made for the couple to move forward. Our mediation team can help couples achieve this in a constructive and positive way.
Why choose our divorce mediation solicitors?
Our divorce mediation solicitors have a wide breadth of experience in divorce and family law. They have helped many other couples who have separated or divorced find a way forward that all can commit to and accept.
Our team can offer divorce mediation services in London, Surrey, Hampshire and across the UK. Our office locations include London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington, and Woking. Get in touch with the team at Moore Barlow to find out more about our divorce mediation services.
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FAQs about divorce mediation
What issues does our divorce mediation divorce service help with?
Our mediation services are designed to help the couple come to an acceptable arrangement without the need for court proceedings. Some of the common issues we assist with include the division of the assets in the marriage, where each person will live and the arrangements for children in the short and long term.
What if mediation is not successful?
Unfortunately, mediation in not right for all couples or may not be deemed appropriate by the mediator as a process the couple should embark on. Such circumstances are rare but if   mediation fails or there are reasons why it is not the appropriate forum, the mediator will inform the couple of the other options open to them to resolve their issues.
How long does divorce take after mediation?
Mediation is unrelated to the actual legal process of a divorce, as it deals with arrangements that arise out of the divorce or separation rather than the dissolution of the marriage or civil partnership.
A divorce will take at least 26 weeks from when applied for, but the process can be longer. It is recommended that divorcing couples start to work together on how to address their finances and the arrangements for their children whilst waiting for the divorce to be finalised so that any arrangements for the finances can be set out in a court order and approved as part of the divorce process to save time and costs.
Can we use mediation after a divorce has been concluded?
Mediation is available to couples at any time before, during or after their divorce has been finalised. Couples can also come back to mediation long after the divorce has been concluded where issues such as the evolving arrangements for the children need to be reviewed.
What to ask for in mediation when going through a divorce?
Every situation is different, so it is not possible to set out all the issue people may need to ask for in divorce mediation. However, there are some questions that it can be useful to think about and prepare for in advance. These may include:
- What are the issues that need to be resolved within the divorce mediation process?
- What feels like a fair solution to this?
- Are the circumstances around this likely to change in the future and what can we arrange to help deal with that?
- How can I ensure that I am able to listen to what my former partner has to say during mediation?
Is mediation necessary in a divorce?
Mediation would not be necessary in a divorce if the former couple can agree on the arrangements by themselves, without requiring the assistance of a third party to reach these decisions.
However, if there are some issues that cannot be resolved, a divorcing couple will be encouraged to try mediation and may be required to attend a MIAM mediation information and assessment meeting prior to issuing any application before the court to manage matters arising out of their divorce.
Do I need mediation to divorce my spouse?
As the mediation process is independent from the actual legal process of divorcing, a couple does not need mediation in order to get divorced.
How much does mediation cost?
The costs of mediation during divorce will vary, depending on the individual circumstances and the complexity of the issues that need resolving. Many mediation processes at the time of a divorce take between three and six sessions.
Mediation is generally considered to be much more cost-effective than going to court to resolve issues between a former couple during divorce.
What to bring to divorce mediation
When attending a divorce mediation session, there can be some things to bring with you that may be useful, depending on your circumstances. These might include:
- A list of the issues that you want to resolve and written notes of what you want to achieve through mediation.
- Any documentation relating to the issues you’re discussing, such as financial statements or information.
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