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Expert family solicitors to help with your mediation journey

Divorce and separation are often not as straightforward as the ending of a marriage or civil partnership. Financial settlements and child arrangements can be difficult to agree on, which is where mediation, as well as mediation support from a solicitor, can be a useful tool.

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Mediation is a form of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR), which aims to keep separating couples out of court. It prioritises communication and openness between separating couples when families are going through breakdown.

At Stowe Family Law, we have specialist lawyers across England and Wales to provide the legal advice and structure you need when going through the mediation process. Our Mediation Support package is designed to sit alongside mediation sessions.

Key information on avoiding court during divorce

Does a divorce settlement have to go to court?

No, over 80% of our divorce cases do not end up in court. Avoiding court proceedings can reduce the time and cost for everyone.

Does mediation help with divorce?

A mediator can help you and your ex-partner agree on how to split assets, without taking sides.

What is the hybrid mediation process?

You and your ex-partner are not in the same room but you each have access to your individual lawyers. The trained mediator will then move between each of you.

What is the collaborative family law process?

Each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer and you and your respective lawyers all meet together to work things out face to face.

Should I take my divorce to arbitration?

Involving arbitration in the divorce process can be more effective than going through lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

How to: a beginner's guide to mediation Download our free mediation guide

What is the mediation support package?

Our family mediation support package provides essential legal advice in between your mediation sessions. This is flexible around your needs. You have control over how often you meet with your lawyer, and what specific advice you need, based on your negotiation.

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There are multiple benefits to legal support alongside your mediation session:

  • The impact of the law on your case – family breakdown is deeply personal, but the law provides a framework to ensure a fair resolution for parties. Our lawyers will guide you through how this looks in your unique situation
  • Better strategising – our lawyers can work with you to plan ahead and understand where you are willing to compromise
  • Improved preparation – this means your negotiations will be more efficient, leading to a quicker outcome

We are then on hand to draw up your financial settlement, or child arrangements order, should you need one.

Our lawyers can also support clients with hybrid mediation. This involves attending your mediation session with you and providing legal advice in real time as your negotiations take place.

Divorce calculator. Understand what you may be entitled to, in just 10 minutes. Use the calculator

How can a lawyer help with mediation?

A lawyer is an important part of your divorce journey. It is important to seek mediation support when you are looking to reach a financial settlement with your ex-spouse or struggling to make child arrangements.

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There are many benefits to using a lawyer alongside a mediator. Mediators are not necessarily trained lawyers, so will not have the same in-depth legal understanding as an expert family solicitor. Your lawyer is there to provide that expert legal advice and strategy planning alongside your mediation sessions, to ensure you get the most out of your time, but without the necessity of committing to a full legal case.

They are also necessary when it comes to drawing up a legally binding agreement, once you and your ex have reached your decision through mediation. This is particularly important for your financial settlement, which will need to be approved by the court.

Hybrid mediation

I need a mediator – how do I get one?

Finding the right mediator is an important part of your negotiation journey. It is important that your mediator is impartial and can work with both you and your ex-spouse.

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If you need a mediator, a number of our lawyers at Stowe are also trained mediators. Unfortunately, we cannot represent you legally if your mediator is a Stowe lawyer.

We also have a network of professional mediators who we can connect you with.

Find out more about how to choose your mediator and our mediation package.

What if mediation doesn’t work?

Sometimes, even with the help of mediation support, couples are unable to reach an agreement. If this is the case, we are on hand to take your case forward via a different route. This could be lawyer-led negotiation, divorce arbitration or a private financial dispute resolution hearing.

Whilst we make every effort to keep matters away from court, if court is necessary, we will be alongside you every step of the way.

We offer an award winning service

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

Find out more about us

Liza is based in our Winchester & Southampton offices and is experienced in divorce, financial matters, and legal issues issues involving children.

Date last reviewed: 23/01/2025

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