Shepherd Harris & Co. has recently been granted a Legal Services Commission Contract for Mediation work. Harjinder Mann will be dealing with all Meditation issues with the assistance of our mediation supervisor Sally Bullock of New Court Chambers.

The Shepherd Harris & Co mediation service has been introduced to meet the growing demand of clients who wish to resolve their relationship breakdown disputes in a dignified manner.

Family mediation can help with decisions about:

 

• Divorce or Separation Agreement issues.

• Arrangements for the children including contact and residence

• Arrangements to divide up finance and property.

• Maintenance

• Grandparent/grandchild contact.

Mediation can only take place if both/all parties to the dispute agree to participate.

What is family mediation?

Family mediation helps couples who are separating or divorcing work out arrangements for the future. Mediation is not marriage guidance or counselling but a way of helping couples sort out some of the practical details of a divorce or separation.

Family mediation is not only for married couples, it is also suitable for co-habiting or same-sex couples who have decided to separate, or those who separated or divorced some time ago.

We can also help grandparents with concerns about grandchild contact.

Do I need a solicitor or other help?

Clients come to mediation at different stages of the divorce or separation process. You may wish to seek (or we may suggest) specialist legal or other professional advice during mediation to help you make informed decisions.

The mediator is there as your negotiation specialist to help you both come to your own solutions.

At the end of mediation your mediator will produce documents setting out your proposals.

If you wish, a solicitor can help make these legally binding.

What are the advantages of mediation?

Research shows that couples find mediation extremely useful in the early stages of separation in providing impartial information on the law and legal procedures. Some of the other benefits of mediation are: that it enables couples to examine and explore the options open to them in a confidential setting; assists couples in making informed decisions; facilitates communication and cooperation and is a cost effective alternative to the court process.

Mediation

• reduces stress and the impact on both parents and children.

• is more cost effective and quicker than alternative routes.

• is not about confrontation but negotiation.

• helps you find your answers.

• produces longer-lasting solutions.

• And can keep you talking