By Karen Newman and Ruth Hawkins
Family Mediation week is taking place from 22nd to 26th January 2024. The objective of Family Mediation week is to raise awareness of mediation and how it can help separating families manage their issues constructively and non-confrontationally.
At BH&O we have two mediators, our consultant solicitor Karen Newman and Partner Ruth Hawkins. Ruth and Karen can either mediate individually or can join forces and offer co-mediation.
Mediation can deal with all sorts of issues including dealing with finances and the arrangements for children.
The purpose of mediation is for both participants to come to agreement by consent. The details of the agreement are recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement can then be formalised by a solicitor into a legally binding court order known as a Consent Order.
Mediation can avoid the cost of court proceedings and an uncertain outcome. You can control the timetable for the mediation sessions and as such it is often a quicker process. The parties can also control the outcome together by deciding collaboratively how to resolve the issues arising from a separation.
We find parents in this position simply don’t know which way to turn. Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:
- Who lives where?
- Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
- How will we sort money?
- What about debts and pensions?
- And even what happens with the family dog?
Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.
Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.
Family mediation week is organised by The Family Mediation Council (FMC) – click here https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/ to see who they are and how they can help.
For further information in relation to family mediation week click here: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/fmw/
For further information in relation to how BHO LLP can help with mediation please click here:
If you have any questions or require assistance with Mediation or advice in relation to formalising your agreement please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist.
Ruth Hawkins, Partner, Mediator
Karen Newman, Consultant Solicitor, Mediator
