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Satellite Office – 2 Fountain Court,
Victoria Square, St Albans, AL1 3TF
Walk ins are NOT available. – Sessions STRICTLY by appointment only
BarclayDeVere Family Mediation St Albans for your divorce disputes
In our society divorce is a fundamental and unfortunate fact. Divorce has different implications on everyone from children, finances and possessions.
In these cases, mediation can be incredible supportive. Mediators can give you advice and guidance around your issues to help you sort out your problems.
–Mediators work because they want to help people to find a compromise or a resolution before going to court or avoiding it.
– Mediators work for couples who are divorcing to help them with issues such as the access around children or the possession of shared family assets.
– The principle of mediation is avoiding people fighting or wasting too much money to pay solicitors and going to court.
– Barclaydevere Family Mediation St Albans and its mediators help people to save money when they decide to divorce and this means at the same time peace of mind and the right solution for both parties.
Tips for Child Access Family Mediation St Albans
Navigating child access during family mediation can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. Barclaydevere emphasises the importance of preparation and understanding the mediation process. It’s crucial to gather all relevant documents, such as school and medical records, to ensure a smooth discussion. Keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront is essential, which means being willing to compromise and maintain a respectful demeanour throughout the process. Choosing an experienced mediator who both parties feel comfortable with can significantly impact the success of the mediation. Additionally, focusing on future arrangements rather than past conflicts can help create a sustainable plan that benefits the child.
The costs of family mediation can vary based on factors like the mediator’s location and the complexity of the issues. Typically, you might pay around £140 per person per hour for mediation sessions and documentation. Some mediators offer a sliding scale based on income, and if you qualify for legal aid, mediation could be free or significantly reduced in cost. Additionally, the UK government offers a Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, providing up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible cases. While mediation involves some expense, it is generally more cost-effective and quicker than pursuing legal action through the courts.
The UK family court expects you to try Family Mediation St Albans first
In the UK, the family court system strongly encourages parties to attempt family mediation before pursuing legal action. This approach is rooted in the belief that mediation can provide a more amicable, cost-effective, and quicker resolution to disputes, particularly those involving children.
Mediation allows both parties to discuss their issues in a controlled environment with the help of a neutral mediator, aiming to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This process not only reduces the emotional strain on families but also helps to preserve relationships, which is especially important when children are involved.
The court’s expectation for mediation first is also reflected in the requirement for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Before you can apply to the court for a child arrangements order or other family-related orders, you must attend a MIAM to see if mediation could be suitable for your case. There are exceptions, such as cases involving domestic abuse or urgent matters, but generally, the court views mediation as a beneficial first step.
By encouraging mediation, the family court aims to reduce the number of cases that proceed to litigation, thereby alleviating the court’s workload and fostering a more collaborative approach to resolving family disputes.