Mediation is an option available to separating couples, which can assist with resolving financial issues, or disputes within the family or over children. 

We advocate mediation wherever possible to prompt the early resolution of any potential disputes.

Many Solicitors are qualified as Mediators to deal with financial issues.  They will see the parties together to discuss any problems and to try and reach a broad agreement.  However, they are unable to give advice, and each party would need professional advice from their own Solicitor so that whatever is agreed can be put into a legal format.  The mediator has no power: their role is purely to facilitate an agreement, and both parties usually share the costs of mediation.
 
Other professional mediators can assist when problems within families arise, whether between the couple themselves, or between parents and their children.  More often than not, though, they would assist in a situation where the parties are separating and have particular problems over the children, including such fundamental questions as to with whom the children will live, or how much contact they will have with the parent who is not the principal carer.

The Courts encourage parents to go to mediation before embarking on the legal process, which by its nature is contentious. 
 
We can help with information about mediators in your area, as can the Courts or the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

John Innes (Partner, Family Department)
john.innes@asb-law.com or call 01293 603600