Mediation

When a relationship has broken down there are occasions when both parties can benefit from a discussion of the issues with an independent third party. Here at McHale & Co we can refer you to an independent and recognised mediation provider and provide you with substantial advice following any full or partial agreement.

What is Mediation?

Mediation offers separating and divorcing couples the opportunity to resolve a number of outstanding issues arising from the breakdown of their relationship. It does not involve providing an environment to discuss reconciliation of your relationship but rather to assist you in reconciling arrangements with regard to children, property, debts and other financial issues and the future generally.

Mediation can be less stressful and costly than going to court and on the occasions where an agreement can not be reached it often assists in narrowing the issues in dispute.

The mediators assist you in negotiating by helping you collate all necessary information, raising relevant points and if necessary general legal information. They will not however provide you with personal advice.

The Referral Process

The process starts with us sending a Referral Form to the mediators and they will then write to you directly asking you both to confirm that you agree to mediate. An initial meeting (which is not charged for) is then arranged and is normally attended by each party independently. There are often between one and four other meetings but this can vary. The meetings are normally between one and one and a half hours long and at the end of mediation a summary is provided to you.

Once you receive this summary you can then provide it to us so that we can assist you in discussing the provisional agreement reached and if you are happy to proceed drafting the relevant document in order to protect your position and legally recognise any agreement reached.

Confidential & Impartial Discussions

Any discussions in mediation are confidential and any agreement reached there is not binding in order to allow you to seek legal advice on the provisions thereof.

In addition to couples whether married, unmarried or same sex there can be occasions when grandparents or other family members including children can attend mediation.

The cost of mediation is normally calculated on a sliding scale dependant upon your income. If mediation is something you would like to obtain further advice in relation to we will be happy to assist.

We also liaise with Family Mediation Manchester. More information about their services can be found at http://www.familymediationmanchester.co.uk/.