Family Mediation
Mediation is an alternative way to resolve disputes when a relationship reaches its end. It is a completely voluntary process and more positive than an adversarial approach to finalising arrangements. The separating couple attend joint meetings to discuss the practical issues involved in separation, including property, finance, children and other matters requiring agreement.
Our Principal, Fiona Moore, is an accredited member of the mediation body, Resolution and she is the only solicitor mediator offering family mediation in Skipton at present. Fiona is keen to offer mediation as an alternative to the adversarial court process, empowering people to make their own decisions and plans for their future.
The mediation service provides an environment and a means of talking to your partner with Fiona as a guide. It is not counselling or marriage guidance but a means of exploring practical solutions together to smooth your separation.
If the emotions of separation are preventing the two of you being able to effectively communicate without disagreement, this mediation process can help you to find common ground in discussing the way forward with the help of Fiona who remains impartial and without judgement, at the same time adding a wealth of information and assistance.
Please note: Moore Family Law is unable to legally represent someone who has first had mediation with us.
Fiona Moore is a member of Resolution and follows their Code of Practice.
What are the steps in mediation?
Initially Fiona will meet with each of you separately to assess whether or not mediation is appropriate for you and understand the unique issues each of you wishes to resolve.
If she then believes mediation to be appropriate and likely to be successful, if each of you remains willing to engage in the mediation process a joint meeting will be arranged. Usually 3-6 mediation sessions are subsequently needed to deal with all matters involved in your separation. It may be less but is sometimes more depending on the scope of practical issues to be resolved in your particular case.
If the mediation is to include dealing with the finances of separation, each party will be expected to provide financial information and complete documentation to be shared with the other person and Fiona.
How much does it cost?
There are non-means-tested vouchers available through the Government’s Mediation Voucher Scheme for up to £500 of joint mediation matters concerning children once you have each paid for your Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings.
The initial individual meeting (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is £100 +VAT.
Any following joint mediation sessions are charged at £100 + VAT per hour per person. Each individual is responsible for paying their own fees unless a prior agreement has been arranged.
Preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding document and Open Financial Statement is charged at £200 + VAT per hour and the cost is divided between you both.
Do we need solicitors?
A mediator can give information but cannot legally represent either party in the mediation process. Although not essential, it is expected that alongside the mediation process you each instruct your own solicitor who can provide advice on a particular aspect of the agreed proposals and formalise them at the end of the process.
Fiona Moore is a member of Resolution and follows their Code of Practice.