Recent statistics highlight that there has been a decline in the number of separating couples using Family Mediation as a way of settling disputes. This is a cause for concern and indicates that many couples are deciding to try and resolve issues, which can often involve those of a complex financial nature, themselves.

Why chose Family Mediation?

The benefits, should couples choose to mediate, include:-

• Cost Effectiveness – The cost of Mediation is split equally reducing the overall costs.

• Speed of Settlement – On average it takes between 4 or 5 sessions of mediation for a satisfactory outcome to be reached, although often there will need to be fewer sessions. In comparison, Court proceedings can last a number of months, or even years in some cases.

• Less Stress – Mediation provides an environment for both parties to talk calmly and privately where they are helped in making informed decisions about their circumstances, their future and their children.

• Both parties remain in control of decisions – Mediation ensures that both of the couple’s thoughts, ideas and concerns are heard and enables them both to retain control over the decisions that are made for them, and where applicable their children. Within Court Proceedings they both run the risk of the Court making decisions, which neither of them may be happy with. Furthermore, where issues relate to financial matters a Mediator ensures that full and frank financial disclosure of both of the couple’s financial means takes place. This means that the Mediator is able to consider with the couple exactly what each party has, but also what each needs. In facilitating this process, the Mediator ensures that both parties are assisted in reaching decisions which are fair and reasonable taking into consideration all assets and all circumstances of the case.

• More Amicable – Court Proceedings can be extremely stressful, especially where they are prolonged and where parties are required to give evidence. Often this can lead to couples becoming more polarised in their views in turn leading to more animosity. A Mediator can help couples focus on what is best for them and their children so they are more likely to reach an agreement that ensures their and their children’s future happiness and security.

• Flexibility – Mediation is a voluntary process and at any point should either of the couple feel the process is not working, or that they simply believe a break is required, then either can withdraw from the process at any time with ease.

Nicki Mitchell and Paul Richardson are trained Family Mediators with Resolution and are currently working towards becoming Accredited Mediators.

Should you wish to speak with Nicki or Paul regarding Family Mediation please contact Nicki at nicki.mitchell@lf-dt.com or on (01904) 561 444 or Paul at paul.richardson@lf-dt.com or on 0114 228 2369.