Frequently Asked Questions
Must I meet my ex partner when I come for mediation?
Can I still get separate legal advice?
Why has my solicitor referred me to mediation?
In your first meeting with a mediator you may either make an appointment just for yourself, or you can come along with your ex partner. If you both decide to mediate you will see your ex partner in mediation sessions. If this is difficult for you please tell us. We have separate waiting rooms and you could leave our office at different times. Also, we can make sure you are never left alone together if that would help.
"Having a calm, detached third person present was helpful." - Quote from client.
"It does provide a forum to talk where otherwise it may not be possible." - Quote from client.
Anything you say to the mediator is confidential unless there is concern for the safety of anyone in the family, especially your children.
Nothing if you are on low income and eligible for public funding. If not, there will be a very reasonable charge to help with the cost of running our local charity. A list of our charges is available on request.
"It was really helpful in my case and avoided high legal costs." - Quote from client.
No, but you can take copies of any agreements to your solicitor to be converted into legal documents.
Yes. You will need to see your solicitor (or any other solicitor experienced in family law) for separate legal advice. Mediators cannot give legal advice but we can provide you with a list of family solicitors in your area offering publicly funded help.
People seeking public funding for representation by a family solicitor in divorce or separation matters will usually be referred to an LSC franchised mediation service to see whether mediation is suitable as a dispute resolution. The mediation is voluntary and will only go ahead if everyone is agreed. It gives an opportunity for those involved to see if mediation is right for them.
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We are keen to make sure that our service is what you want, so if you found mediation helpful please let us know.