MEDIATION IS NOT MAGIC.....
BUT IT CAN SAVE BITTERNESS AND MONEY
 
Sometimes, going to Court is like taking a sledgehammer to a walnut.  The Court makes decisions but things get broken in the process.
 
Since there has already been a marriage breakdown, Court proceedings often only worsen matters and can cause bitterness which is of little use to parties who have children who must still  communicate with each other concerning contact, which used to be called access and health and educational issues amongst other things.
 
Legal mediation offers an opportunity to parties to come to an agreement without going to Court.  It is not however a substitute for Court in that if the parties fail to reach agreement, then either is still free to issue Court proceedings.
 
If each pays one half of the fees, however, immediately much costs are saved.
 
Further, it enables the parties to speak face to face rather than through lawyers.  For some people this is a preferred method of resolving differences.
 
Some people say that mediation demands more of its participants than Court proceedings, because the mediator asks the parties to stay committed to the process until it is finished, act impartially, and is more anxious in helping people come to their own agreements than imposing a settlement or giving legal advice, other than in the broadest terms.
 
Graham Cooke offers this service and can explain in greater detail what is required, what you can expect, how much it will cost, and how long the process will take.
 
However, having acted as mediator, he will not represent either party in any subsequent matrimonial Court proceedings.
 
Mediation can take place at any venue other than the parties own homes, but are best held at these offices.
 
MEDIATION TERMS IN BRIEF
 
The hourly rate charged is £150.00 plus VAT, but a Saturday service is available at £170.00 plus VAT.  Both parties must enter the process honestly and full and frank disclosure of all their means and expectations must be made and documents in proof can be called for.  Once agreement is reached, a document will be drawn up and signed by the parties.
 
It is not a binding agreement at this stage, and the parties are free (and indeed encouraged if they have any doubts) to seek their own independent legal advice upon the agreed terms.
 
You will be asked to sign a mediation agreement which sets out the terms and conditions and which you can ask us for, so that you can read them beforehand.  These include a requirement for politeness and avoidance of abusive language.
 
Sessions are normally limited to a maximum of one and a half hours per week.
 
If there are any queries arising, you can email us at:-