Frequently asked questions
What topics can mediation cover?
A mediator can help a separating couple to agree:
- The terms of their separation and divorce.
- Care and contact arrangements for the children.
- Financial provision for either of the couple.
- How the family home or other property should be shared.
How does mediation work?
Couples are often referred to a mediator by their solicitor and will already have received legal advice. Alternatively, couples may contact a mediator direct. Either way, couples will be encouraged to seek advice from a solicitor at various stages throughout the process. A meeting between the couple and a mediator is arranged. If financial issues are being discussed, the mediation process starts with the disclosure of all financial information.
The role of the mediator is to facilitate open end free discussion and to try and help the couple to reach a consensus. Once a consensus has been reached, the mediator will summarise the proposals and any financial disclosure. Summaries are passed to each party's solicitor who will then advise their client and deal with the legal
What will it cost?
Each mediation session will last one and a half hours. The number of sessions depends on the couple and the issues to be resolved. On average between three and six sessions are needed. Charges are payable at the end of each session and can be shared in any way the couple agree between them. The charge applied will be the normal hourly charging rate of the solicitor mediator and we will inform you of this before you engage us. The drafting of mediation summaries and preparation work are charged separately.
Who mediates?
William Healing is a solicitor who specialises in family law and is also a mediator qualified through Resolution - First for Family Law (previously called the Solicitors' Family Law Association). He is therefore subject to regulation by Resolution and also the Law Society which regulates both solicitors and solicitor-mediators in England and Wales.