Mediation

Mediation is a structured conversation in which you and your ex-partner meet with me — either online or in person — to work towards a negotiated solution rather than going to court. As an impartial, accredited mediator, my role is to ensure that both of you are heard, that the discussion remains constructive, and that we keep moving at a pace that feels manageable, even where your views differ.

Everything discussed in mediation is confidential and protected by mediation privilege. This means it cannot be used against either of you in any later court proceedings. If being in the same room, virtual or otherwise, isn’t right for you, I can offer shuttle mediation, meeting with each of you separately and relaying information between you.

When financial mediation is suitable

Financial mediation is appropriate for resolving the financial aspects of a divorce or separation, property matters between unmarried couples, and the terms of pre or postnuptial agreements. My role is to help you identify what matters to each of you, so you can talk it through and work towards your own agreement.

I can explain the relevant family law as we go, to support your understanding of the process and the options available. I cannot give legal advice, and I will encourage each of you to seek independent legal advice on your own position throughout.

Session length

Sessions are typically 90 minutes, and you can have as many as you need. There’s no obligation to continue if the process doesn’t feel right for you, and taking short breaks along the way is often helpful.

The process, step by step

1. You signed the agreement to mediate.
2. You each attended your own MIAM.
3. You provided your financial disclosure, using the document checklist and figures form I sent you.
4. I’ve prepared your Draft Schedule of Assets and Liabilities from what you sent me.
   This is covered by a fixed fee for the great majority of cases — I’ll always flag it with you directly beforehand if yours looks like it needs more time than that.
5. We meet for the first session to go through the Draft Schedule together. If you both agree it’s accurate and there’s time left, we can start discussing how to share things.
6. I send you the Schedule along with your partner’s documents — a good point to take legal advice if you’d like it.
7. Further sessions are used to work through your options. After each one, you can ask for a session summary.
8. A final session closes any outstanding matters and reviews your agreement to check it’s realistic, both financially and practically.
9. I prepare your Memorandum of Understanding and Open Financial Statement.

How your agreement is formalised

None of the proposals you reach in mediation become binding until they are formally approved by a judge. One of your solicitors will prepare the court application to turn your mediated agreement into a court order, which is what brings the process to a close.

Fees

Fees are payable upfront: for preparing the Draft Schedule of Assets and Liabilities, and before each mediation session. Interim and final documentation are charged separately, as set out in our Agreement to Mediate.