Family Mediation

Rix & Kay’s Family law team includes lawyers who are are members of Resolution

The best solutions are those which you work out together.

When relationships break down, communicating with your former partner or spouse can seem very difficult. The easiest issues can seem like huge mountains to overcome. You may have concerns about your finances or children, or both which are causing emotions to run high.

Sometimes you need help to get the talking started and focused on what really matters to you and your family. That’s where Mediation comes in.

Mediators listen to find out what is important to you and help you to make your own choices and decisions about the best way forward. Mediators will help you reach practical solutions which work for you, and if you are parents, for your children. They do not take sides and they must give impartial advice to help you make your own choices about the best way forward.

Mediation is an opportunity to speak with your partner in a non-confrontational environment. There are typically between three and five sessions, together with the mediator that last one to two hour per session. You can consult your own lawyer at any time, to take legal advice on what is best for you.

Why choose mediation?

Mediation can:

• save you money by avoiding costly Court battles
• help you speak to your former partner in a quiet place to make decisions which are right for the future of you and your family
• help reduce tension and hostility between you
• help children by helping parents to work together for their children’s benefit
• help parents build a relationship with each other as separated parents

At the end of your Mediation, your Mediator will provide you with a summary document setting out any agreements you reach together with a financial summary of your affairs (if relevant). You will then be able to seek independent legal advice on your agreement and your solicitor can complete the legal formalities. Mediation is a cost-effective solution for couples who wish to minimise their legal costs and reach an agreement that is practical and fair.

Helen Noble is an experienced family and divorce lawyer based in Sevenoaks, working with clients South East England.

Listen to Helen speaking about how mediation works, when she was interviewed on Channel Radio – Money Talks.