Mediation & Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is similar to mediation. However, instead of having a single independent adjudicator, both people are represented by a solicitor or family lawyer throughout the negotiations. At the first meeting, both people sign a formal participation agreement not to go to court. If that changes later, both solicitors will normally withdraw from the process, and both will need to seek new legal representatives.

The purpose of collaborative law is to keep both parties talking. Your legal experts will guide you through the process to prevent ‘stalemates’ and to help you both reach a satisfactory resolution. We have family dispute lawyers who are fully trained in collaborative law and happy to work with you and the other party’s solicitor to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Yes, we offer 1 lawyer 2 clients as part of our services. You can find out more about that here.

Usually mediation meetings are attended by each person and the mediator.  You are able to each take legal advice outside of the joint meetings. However, it may be appropriate and helpful to have a joint mediation session with you both having your solicitors present too. This is called Hybrid Mediation and we can discuss this with you both as to whether this is appropriate or necessary as suitability is assessed on an individual basis.

Mediation is voluntary and you both must agree to it in order for it to proceed.

It is important to think about whether you feel you are able to speak freely and respectfully to one another. The success of your mediation relies on you both being engaged, honest, and respectful. If there is ongoing domestic abuse it is unlikely that mediation will be the best process for you at this time.

Our mediators will be able to address any concerns you have and they will screen for any safeguarding issues when they speak to each of you in the confidential individual meeting before the joint sessions begin.

Normally each person pays their own costs of the mediation meetings but a couple are able to come to a different arrangement about this depending on what works for them and their financial circumstances.

There is also a Mediation Voucher Scheme available for couples that mediate about children arrangements (this can be in addition to financial matters). This entitles each couple to £500 towards their mediation fees. Our mediators will discuss this and payment options with you both before the mediation begins.