Family Mediation

In addition to our traditional legal family practice Chapman & Chubb can also offer a family mediation service to assist divorcing or separating couples resolve issues without recourse to the courts. The aim of mediation is to help couples find a solution that meets the needs of the whole family and feels fair to each of them. It can help reduce tension, hostility and misunderstandings and so improve communication. This is particularly important if there are children, as parents may need to co-operate over their children’s care and upbringing for some years to come.

When relationships break down emotions often run high and talking face to face can seem like the hardest thing to do. Sometimes you need a hand to help get the talking started and focus on what really matters to you and your family.

Mediation is a process to help couples who have decided to separate or divorce to talk things through. Mediators are trained to help you reach agreement about how to make the best arrangements for the future. This may be about the way the children are cared for or how finances will be organised.

What makes resolution mediators special is that they are also qualified and practising solicitors who understand the law as well as being trained in mediation skill.

This is how it works...

A mediator will meet with you and your former partner to identify what issues need to be sorted out and to help you understand what matters to you so that you can make your own choices about the best way forward.

You will probably have a number of sessions as a couple together with the mediator; three to five 1 or 2 hour sessions is not uncommon and this will help you reach agreement.

You can consult your own solicitor at anytime during the mediation process to take advice on what is best for you and once both yourself and your former partner are both content with the decisions that you have reached your proposals are then approved by your solicitors who will complete the legal formalities.

Public funding (Legal Aid) is available for those who are financially eligible.