Family Mediation

What is family law mediation and how does it work?

Family law mediation is a voluntary and confidential process for couples to discuss and reach agreement on issues which arise out of their separation or divorce. Family law mediation is an alternative to negotiating through solicitors or making an application to Court and can be a constructive and cost-effective way of resolving matters. It is also a process which can assist couples to improve their commitment as co-parents post-separation.

Family law mediation is usually conducted by way of a number of joint sessions with both parties and the mediator present. A specialist family solicitor mediator will assist the parties in reaching agreement on issues arising out of their separation, whether practical, financial or in relation to children. Depending on the issues to be discussed, most clients will attend 3-6 sessions. Our family mediation solicitors recommend that you instruct an independent solicitor to provide you with legal advice throughout the process. Once you have had legal advice about the proposal reached, your solicitor can then complete the legal formalities.

With expert, sensitive assistance from a solicitor mediator, you will have control of the process and reach a decision that suits you and your family. The benefits are manifold and include:

• The environment of mutuality and confidentiality often improves communication, empathy and trust, which helps to preserve future relationships;
• In respect of children matters, mediation often assists in developing optimal co-parenting relationships as well as ongoing parental co-operation. Agreements reached through mediation are more likely to be adhered to by the parents, due to the fact the parents, having control over the process, are often better able to develop custom-made outcomes to meet their children’s unique needs and requirements;
• You can control the timing and progress and are more likely to get an outcome that works for you as a couple, compared with protracted and often bitter court battles.

Why choose TWM Solicitors?

At TWM Solicitors, we have been offering mediation to clients for over 20 years and we have two specialist family solicitor mediators who are available to assist at any of our offices by arrangement. We offer mediation to help with:

• Financial matters relating to separation or divorce;
• Arrangements for children;
• Issues between separating couples who are not married.