Scott Rowe are pleased to be able to offer mediation as part of our family law practice now that Joanne Hayes has recently qualified as a Resolution Family Mediator (www.resolution.org.uk).
Mediators are not marriage counsellors but are there to help couples find practical solutions to issues arising from their divorce or separation. Mediators are impartial and their role is to help couples to find solutions which feel fair to both of them.
Resolution family mediators are special as they are all qualified solicitors who understand the law as well as being trained mediators. Jo is an ‘all issues’ mediator, which means that she is trained to help couples resolve any issues which are important to the couple including finances and housing but also arrangements for the children who are always a priority for parents who have decided to separate.
Agreement through mediation can help keep costs down as there is no need for solicitors to act as ‘go-betweens’ and the mediation process by its very nature provides an environment where the couple stand a better chance of tackling and resolving issues much more quickly ‘face to face’. By comparison, the same issue may take several weeks to resolve by way of negotiation and correspondence between solicitors.
Mediators, however, will recommend that couples seek independent legal advice as and when appropriate throughout the mediation process and will supply documentation for each couple to take to their respective solicitors once the mediation process has finished. It may be that all issues can be resolved by mediation in which case the solicitors will advise their respective clients on how to translate those proposals into a legally binding agreement.
Mediation is charged on an hourly basis with each session usually lasting an hour and many couples agree to share the costs. As mediators must be impartial we suggest that you obtain agreement from your spouse before contacting Jo if you are interested in this service. This is so that instructions can come from both parties jointly from the outset.
If you would like more information please contact Joanne Hayes at our Axminster office on 01297 32345.
Mediation A better way of resolving practical issues arising from separation and divorce.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
