If you are in the middle of a separation or divorce, or are dealing with a workplace or business problem, sometimes it is difficult to see the wood for the trees. Mediation is an extremely flexible way of dealing with issues, empowering you to keep control of all matters between yourselves and, with less opportunity for misunderstandings in communication, this can help to reduce much of the conflict that leads to litigation. This, in turn, can eliminate the need for stressful, expensive Court hearings, keeping legal costs to a minimum.
Mediation is, at its simplest, a confidential way of assisting you to work out your problems together so that you decide how to proceed in an informed way. All options can be looked at and discussed and the mediator will impartially assist with reality-checking each option to see how it could work in practice. And with costs ranging from £30 to £100 per person per hour dependent upon circumstances (and no VAT!), it is extremely cost-effective.
For family mediation, and where children are involved, then contact matters can be fully explored keeping in mind what is best for the children and, with property and financial matters, similar disclosure is required from you as would be required by a solicitor or the Court. This is taken seriously within mediation to ensure that both parties negotiate on a level playing field. It is only once you are both aware of what is in the “pot” that you can really begin to negotiate on finances. When you are ready to take legal advice, this will be on a fully prepared and informed basis.
To dispel any myths, mediation is not counselling and neither is it marriage guidance, although such services may be recommended to you by the mediator if considered to be appropriate.
For a free initial individual assessment so that you can see whether mediation may be suitable for you, contact Cathy O’Mahoney who is a non-practising solicitor with over twenty years’ experience in the legal field. Evening and weekend appointments are available in addition to normal office hours so what have you got to lose?
Call: 01304 800 001 now.
