Family mediation is an avenue of resolving family disputes without resorting to court. Mediation is a process which involves an impartial third person assisting those involved in family breakdown to communicate better with one another. It assists the parties to reach their own solutions and make informed decisions about some or all of the issues relating to or arising from the separation or divorce including children, finance or property irrespective of their relationship - whether they are married, in a civil partnership, living together, separated a long time ago or have never lived together.
Our team of Mediators (includes Resolution qualified Professional Practice Consultant) at Duncan Lewis assist parties to reach early settlement with any family dispute that may arise. Whilst meditation can be explored at any time even if Court proceedings have been commenced, we at Duncan Lewis encourage reducing conflict at a time when the family dynamics may ranked as distressing. This not only impacts the parties, but those closest to them i.e children, grand parents and family members, which is why our team of mediators assist the parties in reaching decisions that are acceptable to them both. Through out the Mediation process the parties may continue to obtain legal advice should they wish.
Our team of Mediators are able to quickly assist you to resolve:
- decisions about separation or divorce
- housing and property arrangements
- arrangements for care of children and contact arrangements
- financial support following the breakdown of your marriage or civil partnership
As of from the April 2011 the Court shall require the parties to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM). The purpose of the MIAM meeting is to establish whether there is scope to resolve matters without the Court intervention and/or whether any other alternative dispute resolution is available to the parties. Our team can assist with this.
With our experience team of mediators it should only take a few sessions to reach an acceptable agreement for the parties. Once an agreement has been reached, this shall be recorded by the mediator and incorporated into a written document. If the parties wish, they can formalise the agreement through their Solicitors.
To find out about our family mediation service and to see whether it is suitable for you and your family then contact familymediation@duncanlewis.com. Public Funding (aka Legal aid) may be available for mediation, and if you qualify the whole process can be without any cost to the parties.
To make a referral for Mediation please email familymediation@duncanlewis.com