Divorce Via Mediation

We understand that direct communication between you and your partner may feel like the last thing you want to do at the moment, but it is recognised that direct communication is most likely to produce a divorce settlement that feels financially fair and is realistically workable for both parties, and thereby helping to create a long term basis for co-parenting in the future.

As from 27th April 2009 all family courts will be opened up to the media, therefore your case may be reported in minute detail. However arrangements made together in mediation remain confidential, and cannot be repeated in court.

Communication

The mediator acts as an impartial third party in all communication. We concentrate on the immediate future and including your plans after divorce or separation. We ensure that both parties are able to contribute equally and are able to discuss each other's important issues. If needs be we can sometimes act as a go between (out of session) until a basis for continued direct communication has been reached.

Just occasionally..........one or both parents are unsure whether their relationship is over or not, either early on or later in discussions together? You may not be sure what to do next or who to talk to? Part of my role as a mediator is to explore this situation with you individually if required, and to discuss with you what your choices are.

Control

While we have to move the process forward, you control the pace of proceedings. If something that might seem small to a team of solicitors is important to you, we can spend as long as is absolutely necessary on that point. Both parties get a fair say.

Cost Reduction

When you are separating or divorcing, and are concentrating on using mediation to achieve either of these, we estimate the cost of your mediation should be up to just 30% of the cost of a divorce obtained solely using solicitors and the courts. Because in mediation direct communication is maintained, you therefore control the pace and extent of progress, with costs correspondingly kept to a minimum. Contested divorce costs can easily amount to £25K+. If you have substantial / complicated assets costs could quickly amount to £100K+ after only a few months with little or no progress - lawyers then sometimes suggest mediation.

Children

You and your ex may no longer wish to remain cohabitting or being married, but eventually you will both wish to get on with your lives, maybe not as a couple but always as co-parents. By choosing to maintain direct communication in mediation and not the ‘surgical' arms length approach the legal profession can adopt with each other, you can produce together a future basis for co-parenting which ensures that the children become your main concern. Above and beyond any cost consideration, we have found that the benefit to children is by far the most important reason to gain Divorce via Mediation.

Just occasionally..........one of those choices is to help you work out together what would be an acceptable basis for continuing to be together i.e. re-defining the marriage for the future.

Meetings

We offer very flexible appointment times, including during evenings and weekends. We know you are busy, and understand your situation. We shall be as flexible as possible to accommodate you. Our usual rooms are extremely well situated in Gloucester House, 399 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2HL.

Click here to contact us and arrange an initial assessment