Family Mediation is voluntary and structured process. The mediator acts as an impartial third person to assist you and your partner in reaching agreement on any issues that you both have.
The mediator will, when appropriate, provide legal information to enable you and your partner to make informed decisions. Many clients that use the mediation process have their own solicitor to provide individual advice in the background.
As a guide, the mediation process can be summarised as:
- Initial enquiry
- Initial telephone call with Mary
- Attendance at an Mediation and Information and Assessment Meeting (“MIAM”)
- Following your individual MIAMs, the first joint session will take place (usually lasting 90 minutes)
- Depending on the issues involved, there can be between three to five joint mediation sessions
- Once a resolution has been reached Mary will prepare the relevant written documents which are Memorandum of Understanding, an Open Financial Statement and Parenting Plan (if applicable)
Areas of Focus
Mary Gaskins, a qualified mediator, who has over twelve years of family law experience, can assist clients reach resolutions in relation to:
- Divorce and finances (including complex financial situations);
- Cohabitation issues; and
- Children arrangements
There are many reasons why mediation can be the right option:
- It can be cheaper and quicker than alternative methods
- The process is flexible and can be tailored to specific issues
- It can assist in resolving a range of family disputes, including complex financial arrangements, cohabitation arrangements and children arrangements
- It can enables you and your partner/spouse to remain in control of the decision making process.
- It promotes discussions and provides as space where concessions can be put forward. This makes reaching an agreement much more likely
- It can reduce tension and hostility
- It can break a deadlock on a specific issue
Mediation can take place virtually (via MS Teams) or in person:
Mediation can be a cost effective way of reaching an agreement. Aside from the initial meeting with the mediator, the costs of the joint sessions and documents are shared equally with your partner/spouse.
The costs of mediation are based on Mary Gaskins’ hourly rate and time spent. Please contact Mary’s PA Hazel Williams to make an initial enquiry.
'Mary Gaskins lives and breathes her cases and is incredibly conscientious. You get a very impressive service from her.' – Chambers UK 2022
'She's super-bright and a brilliant lawyer'. – Chambers UK 2022