PROMOTION A brief guide to mediation for separating couples Norman Hartnell was one of the first qualified family mediators in the country. Here he explains what the process is and how it can help couples to part more amicably WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION? In simple terms, a mediator works witha separating couple to help them come to a mutual agreement about any practical issues they need to address, based on an agenda they set themselves. HOW DOES IT WORK? You each have an intake session separately to ensure mediation is right for you. It allows you to gain an understanding of how the process works before you commit. Mediation is a form of negotiation with an experienced neutral person to guide the discussions. It takes place in a face to face or virtual session where you both meet with the mediator. I'sa voluntary process - either of you can leave mediation at any stage. Anything discussed is confidential and not reported to court. However, if there is any suggestion of harm to a chikd or adult, the mediator has a safeguarding duty to bring this to the attention of the relevant authorities. Decisions are made by you together, not the mediator. Their role is to manage the session, the gathering of information, and identification and welghing up of options, helping you to decide the most appropriate outcome. The mediator provides information but not legal advice. Should anything you discuss require independent professional advice, they will inform Options are considered on a 'what if? basis, reviewing the pros and cons - a sort of reality test to ascertain whether they are practicable for you both. If you each agree, you can employ a trusted advisor to assist with impartial information. For example, if you have an IFA or accountant you both trust, they could help not only by providing financial information but also outlining the implication of any options. Norman Hartnel is the founder and Managing Director of The Family Law Company by Hartnel Chanot is essentially divided between the two of you and communication is much quicker when carried out face to face. The cost comes down to how long the process takes; sessions are 1.5 hours. Add to this the time WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FAMILY MEDIATION? needed to write up documentation plus any costs for your solicitors. PACE Mediation can be undertaken as quickly or OUTCOME you. The mediator produces a Memorandum of Understanding (MolU) which records the outcome of discussions at all as slowly as suits you. Some people want to This will be what you consider to be fair for each of you, rather than the view ofa third party such as a judge. Ultimately you should feel that you have both been heard and your needs taken into account, and talk through issues together over a period of time, whilst others prefer to deal with the process quickly. relevant stages. It is confidential, without prejudice and not legally binding. You then each take independent legal advice and your lawyers make the proposals Into a legally binding agreement. Ihe mediator can also produce a Financial Summary, which is 'open' and can be shared with third parties such as court. They prepare a schedule of assets and options together with net-effect schedules to go through with you. You work out which option is best for you and Mediation is often less expensive than try to reach a mutual settlement. CONCORD that you have found the solution you can both live with. + Rather than fight each other through lisigation, you can instead work together to reach solutions. The mediator presents information in a transparent way you can both fully understand, and they will also cross check the disclosure to see if there Family Law are any gaps. by Hartnel Chanof COST 01392 421777 other options. The mediator's hourly rate enquiriesethefamilylawco.com www.thefamilylawco.co.uk PROMOTION A brief guide to mediation for separating couples Norman Hartnell was one of the first qualified family mediators in the country. Here he explains what the process is and how it can help couples to part more amicably WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION? In simple terms, a mediator works witha separating couple to help them come to a mutual agreement about any practical issues they need to address, based on an agenda they set themselves. HOW DOES IT WORK? You each have an intake session separately to ensure mediation is right for you. It allows you to gain an understanding of how the process works before you commit. Mediation is a form of negotiation with an experienced neutral person to guide the discussions. It takes place in a face to face or virtual session where you both meet with the mediator. I'sa voluntary process - either of you can leave mediation at any stage. Anything discussed is confidential and not reported to court. However, if there is any suggestion of harm to a chikd or adult, the mediator has a safeguarding duty to bring this to the attention of the relevant authorities. Decisions are made by you together, not the mediator. Their role is to manage the session, the gathering of information, and identification and welghing up of options, helping you to decide the most appropriate outcome. The mediator provides information but not legal advice. Should anything you discuss require independent professional advice, they will inform Options are considered on a 'what if? basis, reviewing the pros and cons - a sort of reality test to ascertain whether they are practicable for you both. If you each agree, you can employ a trusted advisor to assist with impartial information. For example, if you have an IFA or accountant you both trust, they could help not only by providing financial information but also outlining the implication of any options. Norman Hartnel is the founder and Managing Director of The Family Law Company by Hartnel Chanot is essentially divided between the two of you and communication is much quicker when carried out face to face. The cost comes down to how long the process takes; sessions are 1.5 hours. Add to this the time WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FAMILY MEDIATION? needed to write up documentation plus any costs for your solicitors. PACE Mediation can be undertaken as quickly or OUTCOME you. The mediator produces a Memorandum of Understanding (MolU) which records the outcome of discussions at all as slowly as suits you. Some people want to This will be what you consider to be fair for each of you, rather than the view ofa third party such as a judge. Ultimately you should feel that you have both been heard and your needs taken into account, and talk through issues together over a period of time, whilst others prefer to deal with the process quickly. relevant stages. It is confidential, without prejudice and not legally binding. You then each take independent legal advice and your lawyers make the proposals Into a legally binding agreement. Ihe mediator can also produce a Financial Summary, which is 'open' and can be shared with third parties such as court. They prepare a schedule of assets and options together with net-effect schedules to go through with you. You work out which option is best for you and Mediation is often less expensive than try to reach a mutual settlement. CONCORD that you have found the solution you can both live with. + Rather than fight each other through lisigation, you can instead work together to reach solutions. The mediator presents information in a transparent way you can both fully understand, and they will also cross check the disclosure to see if there Family Law are any gaps. by Hartnel Chanof COST 01392 421777 other options. The mediator's hourly rate enquiriesethefamilylawco.com www.thefamilylawco.co.uk