Mediation

We work in partnership with a Relate Mediation service for couples/ families delivering online appointments. Mediation offers the opportunity In the first instance, you will need to book in for a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This can be followed by a Mediation session for any of the following:

Child only Mediation
Finance & Property only Mediation
All Issues Mediation
Child Consultation (where both parents are in agreement)

All services are charged at competitive rates, with a qualified Family Mediator, registered with the College of Mediators.

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When people leave relationships many practical matters have to be agreed. When couples cannot agree there are two ways of dealing with these issues:

• By Mediating
  The mediator will work with you both, enabling you to find practical solutions.
  You remain in control of the outcome.
• By instructing solicitors
  If no agreement is reached between your solicitors, the matter will go to court where a judge will dictate the outcome.

Mediation is:

• A way of solving problems without going to court.
  
• A safe and neutral environment in which to discuss issues privately, decisions being made with the help of a mediator.
  
• The preferred option if you want to settle matters quickly and with minimum aggravation.
  

Mediation is not:

• Judgemental. The mediator will not side with either party
  
• Counselling or marriage guidance
  

How can mediation help me?

• The mediator will help each of you put your point of view across, be heard and help you to express your feelings without arguments.
• The mediator will explain legal principles, explore and identify various options with you both.
• You will be helped to make your own informed decisions rather than  have a decision imposed upon you by the judge.
• Mediation will strengthen communication and avoid the hostility created by court proceedings.

Will I still need a solicitor?

• It is always sensible to know your legal rights, as this helps you to make informed decisions, and if you wish the proposals put forward in mediation to be made legally binding, you will probably need a solicitor.

How long does mediation take?

• Sessions last for about an hour and a half
• There are usually around four sessions but there may be more or less, depending on the complexity and number of issues under discussion.

What happens at the end of mediation?

• The mediator will provide a document clearly setting out the proposals you want to go ahead with.
• This document is to enable you to take legal advice if you wish, before agreeing that the proposals are binding.
• Most mediations are successful, but if you can’t agree, the mediation breaks down. You can then pursue matters through solicitors, if agreement still can’t be reached, you will end up in court. 95% of cases are settled at the doors of the court, often after great expense and unnecessary stress.

Call us: 01202 311231

Relate Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch is a registered charity. Charity Number: 1120017, Company Number 06109030