Mediation Solicitors

Let us help you manage the practicalities of separating

Mediation is sometimes confused with relationship counselling. In actual fact,  mediation is designed to assist when there has been, or will soon be, a separation or divorce. The process involves a neutral third party known as a ‘mediator’, who facilitates communication and negotiation to help both parties reach an agreement surrounding various aspects of their separation. It’s a confidential, cost-effective service that can be incredibly useful when dealing with the practicalities surrounding life after separation. 

What are the benefits of mediation? 

Mediation is a beneficial tool for couples who wish to partake in an amicable separation. When utilised properly and both parties are in agreement, it provides a less stressful and more cost-effective way of resolving conflict, and avoids the delay of having to make a court application. Additional benefits of mediation include: 

• The promotion of cooperation – both parties are working together to solve problems and find solutions to how their lives will work best when they’re apart. Not all elements of a divorce need to be decided through mediation; you may agree on some aspects of your separation and not others. If this is the case, the court can decide outstanding elements for you. 
• Confidentiality – encouraging honest conversation. Issues and sensitive topics can be discussed in complete confidence, with both parties knowing that they cannot be held to any proposals legally until the agreement is drawn and made binding upon divorce proceedings. 
• Emotional support – as mediation is voluntary and both parties need to be present and engaged, those that decide to use family mediation can help each other to navigate the more emotional aspects of the separation or divorce.
• Satisfaction for both parties – the nature of mediation sessions allows couples to address the unique needs and circumstances of their family and reach agreements that are deemed fair by both parties.  

When should mediation be used?  

Mediation is designed for separating couples who wish to conclude an amicable divorce and it can be used for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• Child custody arrangements 
• Division of assets 
• Spousal support agreements 
• Financial agreements 
• Housing arrangements

How does mediation work? 

Once you have contacted your chosen mediation solicitor, your partner will need to be invited to join. You will both need to attend in-person or video call meetings (these should be designed to suit your personal circumstances/preferences) and you will be able to complete as many as needed. You’ll also be able to set the agenda for mediation meetings so you will be able to give priority to the most important issues you are seeking to resolve. 

It’s important to remember that trained mediators are impartial, and therefore are unable to give either party legal advice. However, the benefit of using an experienced solicitor such as Eric Robinson, means we can provide a great deal of legal information using our skills as legal advisers.  

How can Eric Robinson Solicitors help? 

Our family mediation Solicitors are trained Resolution Accredited Specialists, meaning we are fully qualified to help both parties reach an amicable agreement, as opposed to one individual only. We listen to our clients and their wishes, and provide helpful legal information to aid couples reach a resolution that they are both happy with. The service we provide at Eric Robinson centres around empathy, understanding, neutrality and facilitating constructive dialogue, helping you to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement so you can both move forward, satisfied with the outcome. 

We offer family mediation services at all our offices, and it can be paid for on a session by session basis or by prearranged fixed fee.

To speak to us and find out more, get in touch with one of our local branches at the following locations: Southampton, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Lymington, or Richmond Upon Thames.