Mediation is the process by which separating couples seek to reach an agreement about matters relating to their children, finances and property. You and your husband/wife/partner would meet with a trained independent third party - the Mediator. The Mediator would facilitate discussions between you to encourage you to reach agreement about the issues which you as a couple wish to discuss.

The role of the Mediator is to help you -:

• Co-operate with each other
• Resolve conflict
• Reach joint decisions

Mediation is not reconciliation or counselling

It is usually sensible for you to receive legal advice alongside the Mediation process to ensure that you are well informed about your legal position. Once a financial agreement is reached that agreement should then be formalised, again with the assistance of legal advice.

Mediation can be quicker and may be less expensive than going to court. The process is designed to assist you to communicate and co-operate with one another.

The sessions which usually last one and a half hours each can be arranged with a regularity to best suit your requirements. The number of sessions will depend on the issues which need to be resolved.