Mediation

At Bespoke Family Solutions, Margaret Kelly practises as a mediator and arbitrator. She is qualified as a solicitor, collaborative lawyer, mediator and arbitrator.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a non court based way for couples to resolve disputes about finances and/or their children.

A mediator is neutral and does not provide legal advice.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential.

If the parties are discussing finances there will need to be a full and frank disclosure of their finances.  Financial information is not confidential.

The couple meet together with the mediator. The process focuses on the future exploring options with the parties.

The parties have an opportunity to highlight what is important for them.  The decisions in mediations are in the hands of the parties.

Both parties will have an opportunity to speak and the mediator will ensure that any power imbalance is addressed.

Some mediators are trained to meet children.

Solicitors attend some mediation sessions. Often parties will speak with and receive advice from their solicitors in between mediation sessions.

Mediation sessions generally last between 1.5 and 3 hours. A typical case requires between 3 and 6 sessions.

At the end of a successful mediation the mediator prepares a memorandum of understanding. This is a document setting out the parties proposals. The parties would then generally consult their respective solicitors and instruct them to prepare a consent order which is then sent to the court.