What is the Mediation Process?

• The mediator contacts the other partner to arrange an initial individual appointment with them.
• If both clients wish to proceed and the mediator feels that mediation is appropriate, the mediator will arrange a first joint session with the clients.
• After signing the Agreement to Mediate, you will identify the issues you wish to discuss in mediation.
• Hazel will guide you through these discussions, giving you both equal opportunity to express your opinions and concerns. She will encourage you to address all the matters you have identified and provide legal, financial and parenting information where appropriate.
• The importance of your children’s wishes and feelings being heard will be explained, and if you agree and give your permission, we will write to your children to invite them to a confidential meeting.
• Clients will be encouraged to seek legal advice during mediation; documents produced in mediation, including attendance notes from each meeting may be shown to your solicitor.
• Full financial disclosure is made in mediation, normally using Form E (financial statement) and supporting documents, just as in other forms of dispute resolution.
• The number of joint sessions you require depends on what you need to discuss and how much you are able to do outside the mediation meetings. Each case is different and we will ensure the pace is right for you. There will be tasks to be done by you both in between mediation sessions.
• When all matters have been agreed, Hazel will draw up a summary of your proposals (Memorandum of Understanding) and an Open Financial Summary of your financial position. These documents should be shown to a solicitor to ensure they clearly reflect the proposals you are making and that all issues have been fully covered.
• These documents can then be used to ask a family solicitor to draft a Consent Order which will be made legally binding by the family court.