Family Matter - Mediation

This case study showcases how our experienced family law team at Hepburn Delaney Solicitors assisted a separated couple in reaching mutual agreement with child arrangements outside of the court, through the process of family mediation.

Background

Mr. and Mrs. Sully* were separating following the breakdown in their relationship, they sought assistance from Hepburn Delaney regarding concerns and challenges related to the custody and care arrangements for their two young children. 

Having already initiated divorce proceedings, our family law teams helped address unresolved matters, to help minimise costs, timeframes, and conflicts between them.

Proceedings and solutions

Individual consultation 

Following an initial discussion with the couple, our first action was to schedule individual meetings with each party to confidentially discuss their priorities, what was important to them, the mediation process, and alternatives. This allowed each party to evaluate whether mediation would be beneficial and something they found helpful. This step is crucial as it involves attentively considering the needs and interests of both parties before proceeding. It also ensures that mediation is suitable and appropriate for their circumstances before moving forward.

Both clients expressed their desire to engage in the mediation procedure. 

Joint mediation session

Once we agreed that mediation was the right next step for both parties, we assisted the separated couple to obtain a family mediation voucher that provided £500 to cover associated expenses, before proceeding. Hepburn Delaney holds authorisation from the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and is eligible to participate in this scheme. 

A joint mediation session was then scheduled, accommodating it in the late afternoon to accommodate both parties’ work commitments. In this session, our trained mediators guided them through the mediation process, explaining each step in detail. This ensures that you are well informed and aware of what to expect at every stage.

We offer these mediation sessions face-to-face and remotely, depending on the client’s preferences. In this case, Mr. and Mrs. Sully both felt that they would like the sessions to be dealt with remotely.

The Results

The mediation session lasted around one and three-quarter hours, during which, Hepburn Delaney’s mediation experts were able to agree childcare arrangements for their children with both parties, and explored the option of implementing a parenting plan to document the decisions made.

While some mediations like the experience of Mr and Mrs Sully, can be completed in a single session, it is more typical to have two to four sessions, and occasionally more. At Hepburn Delaney, we will provide you with a dedicated mediator that will have a better understanding of how many sessions you are likely to require and can provide an estimate.

If you are currently facing a situation similar to the one described in this case study, contact us today, and our expert family law team can assist you with your specific needs and provide the necessary support.

* Disclaimer: The names used in the following case study have been changed to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of individuals involved in the case.