Family Law Mediation
Mediation is a common method of dispute resolution the Courts have been using for a long period of time in order to settle matters quickly and cost effectively.
At Orman Solicitors we have been representing clients in mediation for over 20 years often with great results where client have been able to avoid the filing before a Court and achieving a resolution faster and with less cost.
We are able to provide you with extensive advice prior to entering into mediation and represent you during the mediation providing you with sensible and commercial solutions.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a confidential process where an independent and neutral third party (mediator) facilitates negotiations between parties to a dispute in the hope of reaching an agreement about their dispute.
Mediation is a required step in most matters commenced in Court. It is also a recommended early step to consider before commencement of formal proceedings in Court. This is a very cost effective process if the parties can reach an agreement.
The mediator cannot impose a decision upon the parties. However, mediators (who are often experienced family lawyers) use their skills to facilitate negotiations between parties and thereby assist them to explore the issues in depth and reach the best possible joint decisions that the circumstances allow.
With the parties’ consent, some experienced mediators will use a blended process that combines mediation with providing the parties with their opinion and advice on the strength of each party’s case. This approach will be used where it is believed it will assist the parties to make decisions and thereby come to an agreement. Such a process is known as evaluative mediation and is commonly used in family law disputes.
Mediation frequently involves the parties’ legal advisors but in suitable matters parties can engage in the process without their legal advisors being present.
The benefits of Mediation
Efficient – Mediation is likely to produce a quicker outcome than the more formal processes of arbitration or litigation. It should therefore be considered as early as possible after a dispute has arisen.
Affordable – Mediation is often more cost effective than litigation as it requires less preparation.
Manageable – Mediation is particularly appropriate where a dispute involves complex issues and/or multiple parties.
Empowering – Mediation enables parties to have an input into and to control the process, allowing for a more tailored outcome.
Confidential – Information disclosed during the mediation cannot be used later in any court proceedings. Mediation is also useful where privacy and confidentiality are important. Parties are able to preserve these rights without public disclosure. This often leads to more satisfactory outcomes for both parties.
Orman Solicitors has many years of experience representing clients in complex financial and children’s matters through mediation.
For more information, get in touch with our expert family lawyers today.