Family mediation is for couples who have decided to separate or have been separated for a while but there are changes or developments that may mean the current arrangements no longer work and need to be revisited or just to discuss parenting.
WeCare about helping married, co-habiting, same-sex couples and parents who have made a decision to go their separate ways.
Also WeCare about grandparents and extended family members who are also sometimes affected by the breakdown in a relationship involving their grandchild(ren), niece or nephew for example.
Children
On separation, it is important for children to see that both their parents/carers will continue to have a loving and caring place in their lives.
Finances
As a solicitor I have extensive experience in resolving financial disputes on behalf of my clients I am therefore fully versed as a Mediator in helping you sort out property and financial affairs particularly where there may be businesses and/or pensions involved.
Children
On separation it is important for children to see that both their parents/carers will continue to have a loving and caring place in their lives. Your child(ren’s) reaction to separation will depend upon their age and WeCare that you are given help and information to guide you through the process of talking to your children about changes that may be taking place. Mediators sometimes see children as part of the mediation process and if this is something that you both want to consider this can be put in place. Their views, wishes and feelings can be fed back during the mediation session after they are seen.
During separation there can be a lot of conflict surrounding the children, whilst this is usual it is important to try and keep this conflict away from them. Sometimes children (particularly older ones) are comforted by the fact that their parents are meeting together with the help of a professional and without conflict to try and settle those arrangements by agreement rather than court proceedings. Children like adults don’t like the thought of court proceedings.
If you are able to reach a resolution this can be recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding, whilst it is not legally binding it is hoped that it can be adhered to as it was a decision reached by both of you. The details in a Memorandum of Understanding can be made legally binding by applying to the court to make an order in the terms reached.
WeCare about giving you legal information to help you make decisions but we cannot give you independent legal advice - that is the role of your solicitor.
Need to get in touch with WeCare
WeCare about trying to help your family restore communication and trust so that you can reach a resolution that is enduring.
Finances
As a solicitor I have extensive experience in resolving financial disputes on behalf of my clients I am therefore fully versed as a Mediator in helping you sort out property and financial affairs particularly where there may be businesses and/or pensions involved.
WeCare about helping those that are married, divorced, entered into a civil partnership or decided to live together.
Financial matters can be complicated but WeCare about helping you through this process in a structured and careful way. I ensure full financial disclosure is obtained and exchanged then the options that are proposed are explored. In some instances I can make suggestions which may assist you and your family in reaching an informed decision regarding the home, savings or debts for example.
WeCare about helping those that are married, divorced, entered into a civil partnership or decided to live together with or without a formal arrangement in place. Whatever the arrangement I will assist you in exploring all options so you can reach an agreement for you, your family and any children.
WeCare about ensuring you know what the courts take into consideration and what the courts can and cannot do. We cannot give you independent legal advice however and it is advisable that you each have a solicitor outside of the mediation process to give you independent legal advice. Resolution reached in mediation can be made legally binding by your solicitors.
WeCare about ensuring you fully understand the financial matters before moving on to making a decision.
WeCare about ensuring you reach resolution of matters as cost effectively and expeditiously as possible. Mediation is usually much quicker and considerably cheaper than embarking upon court proceedings.
Before mediation can take place you will need to attend WeCare Family Mediation Services for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
You can find more information about a MIAM here and the fees involved here.
