Family Mediation Winchester

When children turn 16, they enter a new phase of their lives, one in which they have greater autonomy and independence. However, this transition can also bring new challenges, particularly when it comes to disputes over maintenance between parents. At Barclaydevere in Winchester, we believe that mediation can play a vital role in resolving such disputes and ensuring that children can move forward with their lives. In this article, we will explore the process of mediation and its benefits in more detail.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which an sole, qualified mediator helps both people to come to an agreement. Mediation is often used in family law cases, such as disputes over child maintenance, as it can be a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to going to court.

How Does Mediation Work?

The first step in the mediation process is for both parties to agree to take part. Once this has been established, the mediator will arrange a meeting with both parties. During this meeting, the mediator will explain the mediation process and set out the ground rules. Each party will then have the opportunity to explain their position and what they hope to achieve from the mediation.

The mediator will then help the parties to explore potential solutions and negotiate a settlement that works for everyone involved. This settlement will be written down in a document called a Memorandum of Understanding, which both parties will need to sign. This document is not legally binding, but it can be used as the basis for a legally binding agreement if both parties wish to do so.

The Benefits of Mediation

There are many benefits to using mediation to resolve disputes over maintenance when children turn 16. These include:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Mediation is often less expensive than going to court, as there are no legal fees or court costs to pay.
2. Flexibility: Mediation allows the parties to come up with their own solutions, rather than having a decision imposed on them by a judge.
3. Privacy: Mediation is a confidential process, which means that the details of the dispute will not be made public.
4. Speed: Mediation can be a faster process than going to court, as the parties can arrange meetings at a time and place that suits them.
5. Improved communication: Mediation can help to improve communication between the parties, which can be particularly important when children are involved.

When children turn 16, disputes over maintenance can arise between parents. However, mediation can play a vital role in resolving these disputes and ensuring that children can move forward with their lives. At Barclay Devere in Winchester, we have extensive experience in using mediation to resolve family law disputes, and we believe that it can be a highly effective and beneficial process. If you are facing a dispute over maintenance, we encourage you to consider mediation as a possible solution.

In conclusion, mediation can offer a cost-effective, flexible, and private way to resolve disputes over maintenance. Contact Barclay Devere in Winchester to learn more about how mediation can help you and your family.