If you are in the difficult situation of going through a divorce or separation, you may need help dealing with issues such as the division of assets and arrangements for your children. Where an agreement cannot be reached with your former partner, the next step is usually to consider alternative dispute resolution.
Our family mediation solicitors in London can advise you of the process, prepare you for sessions with a mediator, and ensure that you have the representation you need to safeguard your interests.
If you ask us to help you navigate your separation, we will always aim to do so in a constructive way, reducing conflict wherever possible and achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Get in touch with our family mediation solicitors London today
If you need help moving forward with a separation or divorce, our family mediation solicitors in London can assist.
You can give us a call on 020 8003 4216 or request a free call back by filling out the enquiry form on the right hand side of our home page.
Why choose mediation solicitors in London?
For families based in London, there may be added complications in dealing with a separation or divorce, particularly when it comes to dividing high value or complex assets and making arrangements for children when both parties work or have other calls on their time.
Our London mediation solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with the intricacies of family breakdown for busy and high net worth clients, and we have a solid understanding of the best way of approaching mediation in order to obtain the right result.
What is family mediation?
Family law mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution that is used to try to avoid litigation. Couples meet with a neutral mediator, who is an expert in the field of resolving family law disputes. The mediator will help them to explore potential ways of moving forward and discuss possible compromises that the parties may not have considered.
It is generally a faster and more cost-effective process than litigation, and it often helps those involved to work together in a less adversarial way, which is particularly important if there are children involved.
For more information, see the Family Mediation Council website.
Our family mediation services in London
We provide a full range of support, advice and representation in respect of divorce mediation in London, including:
- Explaining the family mediation process
- Help with financial disclosure and completing Form E
- Arranging mediation
- Answering your questions, such as how much does mediation cost, and how does mediation work
- Preparing you for mediation to ensure you get the most from your sessions
- Advising on potential mediated agreements
- Where an agreement is reached, preparing a draft order for approval by the court
For more information on our services, see our family law solicitors in London page.
The mediation process: what to expect
The first stage in mediation is generally attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, or MIAM. This allows you and your former partner to meet the mediator, who will explain the process and the potential ways in which it could help you.
You can meet the mediator together or separately.
If you decide to go ahead with mediation, you will then have a number of mediation sessions in which you will work through the various issues. In between the meetings, you will be able to discuss matters with your solicitor and take their advice on progress and potential agreements.
Again, you can choose to meet the mediator with your former partner, or meet with the mediator alone, and have them shuttle between you.
For more information, see the National Family Mediation website.
How our London-based mediators can help
Our London-based mediation solicitors can guide you through the process, from preparing Form E with you to advising on potential agreements negotiated with the mediator. We will be available to answer all of your questions throughout, and we will ensure that your rights and interests are observed.
Mediation vs court proceedings
Mediation is usually considerably cheaper than litigation, where the process can be drawn out, requiring several hearings and input from other experts, such as barristers.
It is also faster to choose mediation, as the family courts often have substantial backlogs and you may have to wait many months for each hearing.
The mediation process is confidential, meaning no-one will know what has been discussed or what decision has been reached.
You can be sure that, with mediation, any outcome reached will be one that you have agreed to, as, unlike judges, mediators are not able to impose a binding decision.
Mediation can prevent a relationship from deteriorating and help a couple to learn to decide difficult issues together. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with matters relating to children.
Another alternative to mediation is collaborative family law.
For more information on orders in divorce proceedings, see our pages on child arrangements orders and divorce settlements.
When is mediation appropriate?
Mediation may be appropriate when both parties are open to negotiating and seeking an amicable solution. You may need to be prepared to compromise, but you can be assured that you will not be forced into a decision that you do not want.
However, it is not an appropriate option if there is an imbalance of power in a relationship and one party runs the risk of being overpowered by the other. Similarly, if one party is not prepared to compromise or work to find a negotiated solution, it may not be successful.
Mediation should not be used if there has been any abuse in the family.
Legal support alongside mediation
It is advisable to have expert legal advice while going through the mediation process. An experienced family law solicitor will be able to discuss matters with you and ensure that any agreement is in your best interests. While your solicitor is not usually able to attend the mediation meetings with you, having their guidance before and after will mean that you do not end up with an agreement that is less favourable than that which you could expect, should you go to court.
Getting started with family mediation in London
If you want to try mediation for divorce, contact us today, and we will work with you to prepare for the process. The starting point is generally to disclose assets and liabilities, so that the mediator can help you explore potential options in splitting these.
Why choose our family mediation solicitors in London?
At Crisp & Co, we offer compassionate and expert legal advice. We understand the sensitive nature of divorce and separation, and will always approach your situation with care, respect, and a commitment to achieving a positive outcome. We offer:
- A dedicated team of specialist family lawyers with extensive mediation experience
- In-depth expertise in resolving contentious issues out of court
- Accredited members of the Law Society’s Children Law panel
- Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners recommended firm
- Members of Resolution, committed to constructive, non-adversarial solutions
- Clear, practical advice without legal jargon
- Proven success in resolving even the most complex financial and child disputes