Our family team offers a dedicated one to one caring, sympathetic and confidential service.
We have many years’ experience in dealing with the legalities of relationship breakdown. This includes preparing the documentation to obtain a divorce or partnership dissolution, and managing the legal process through the courts from then on. We can also advise specifically upon the financial implications of a relationship break-down – our overall aim being to arrive at a fair settlement which meets the requirements of both parties, in addition to the requirements of their children.
Mediation
Dawn Hughes, our family Solicitor, has been working with families for over 14 years resolving issues regarding children and financial matters.
Dawn is a qualified Mediator having successfully completed her Mediation Foundation Course. Dawn is currently working towards becoming an Accredited Mediator and is supported by her Professional Practice Consultant, Karen Beevers.
Dawn’s passion is to help families following the breakdown of a relationship to communicate more effectively and to make informed decisions that will work best for their family.
Dawn has an empathetic approach towards resolving any issues in an objective manner.
What are the main principles of Mediation
Mediation offers a private and safe space for you to explore options that will work best for you and your family.
The decisions are yours to make.
Mediation is confidential except if there is a risk of harm to a child or person or the law requires disclosure.
A Mediator is impartial and acts as a neutral third party to facilitate discussions.
Mediation is child focussed.
Careful screening checks will take place to ensure that Mediation is suitable. Not all cases may be suitable.
Divorce & Separation
Mediation offers an opportunity for you to work through issues when communication has perhaps broken down.
You do not necessarily need to be in the same room as your ex-partner or ex-wife.
A Mediator can assist you both to communicate more effectively and discuss options to resolve any issues you may have regarding the children and finances.
`Once people realise that family mediation is less expensive than being represented in Court proceedings, as well as being less stressful and quicker than the Court process, most realise it is a conversation worth having.`
John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council
A survey carried out by the Family Mediation Council in 2019 found that 70% of cases succeeded in reaching complete or partial agreement.
What do I do next?
Arrange a First Individual Meeting
If you would like to know more about how Mediation works, please telephone our offices on 01564 776 287 to arrange an individual first meeting with Dawn Hughes. The cost for the first meeting which normally lasts about an hour for each person will be £100.00 plus VAT.
Joint Session
If suitable, we will then arrange a joint 90 minute session. This will be charged at an hourly rate of £100.00 plus VAT per person.
Mediation is tailored towards the individuals. The number of sessions required will vary for each case.
There will be separate fees for preparing documentation which may include the Open Financial Statement, Memorandum of Understanding, a Parenting Plan etc. These fees will be between £500.00 – £750.00 per document.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
If your intention is to issue Court Proceedings, Dawn is not authorised to conduct a MIAM meeting because she is currently working towards accreditation. A MIAM must be carried out by an Accredited Mediator.
Complete the form below where a member of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, you can call us on 01564 776287.
