Family Mediation is the most effective way for couples to resolve issues following a separation. It is non-adversarial and aims to help you work together to achieve an outcome you both consider fair.

Why family mediation?

We set out below why family mediation is a good option.

Family mediation is voluntary

You must both agree on solutions or there is no agreement. Either of you can leave the mediation process at any time if you are not happy with it.

Mediation helps to clarify areas of conflict

Most couples have some conflict when their relationship breaks down. The mediator helps you limit the conflict in order to discuss things productively.

It gives you power

You control the issues to be addressed and you make the decisions over your own lives. You do not have decisions imposed on you by outside sources.

Family mediation is best for your children

The mediation process places children at the centre and reminds you that you are both parents of your children and will have a continuing responsibility and relationship as parents even when your relationship as partners has come to an end. Courts are over-burdened and are now telling parents not to litigate over issues which are relationship based; not issues of law.

Mediation is cheaper

If agreement can be reached between you in mediation, it is likely to be a far cheaper process than fighting through the courts. As the mediation is conducted by one person, effectively costs are shared. Fees are far lower than they are when both partners consult individual solicitors on a regular basis.

What happens in mediation?

Family mediation is a constructive forum in which a neutral person helps couples to negotiate directly once the decision to divorce or separate has been made. It is an active process in which the mediator helps identify all the issues that need to be resolved. It is an opportunity to negotiate mutually beneficial terms in total privacy.

Mediation is conducted with the aim that there should be no losers – one party should not win at the expense of the other. It helps to eliminate the painful win-lose atmosphere, which is part of an adversarial divorce. The process is a mutual search for a reasonable solution where resolutions emerge from the process and a settlement is created by both partners.

If you have separate lawyers advising you then we will work with them to ensure that you receive all the advice you need before committing to a final agreement.

What areas does mediation cover?

Mediation can cover all the issues arising from marriage or relationship breakdown, or can deal with particular limited issues if you specify this at the start.

Your mediator will help you identify all your marital assets, work out their value and help you to divide them fairly.

Your mediator will help you to determine what it costs to live apart and, using that information, together with your current income, will help determine the amount  and duration of child and/or partner support.

They will also help you to reach an amicable agreement on all future parenting arrangements.

Why Paris Smith?

We have long been recognised as one of the leading providers of family law services in the South.

In 1996, we developed a mediation practice as a complement to the existing service. Since then, numerous couples have benefited from mediation both in respect of children and financial issues. We have developed a particular expertise in dealing with complex financial situations and large asset cases. We have three qualified mediators, Neil Davies (accredited), Sarah Passemard and Danielle Taylor.

Find out more information about our mediation service.

If you feel mediation may be right for you please do get in touch with one of our mediators.