Why Mediate?

Separation is one of life's most stressful events for all concerned and at Wildblood Legal our trained mediators are here to help and support you through those difficult days. (and it will get better..in time) Mediation is all about helping you have conversations so you can reach agreements or resolve issues together.

Please be aware that we are not counsellors or marriage guidance but we can point you in the right direction if you need this kind of support.

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As a first step, we offer a one-to-one Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) at which we see each of you separately and talk you through your options and what you can expect from mediation.  If you both think mediation is something you would like to explore we can set up the first session.  The cost for a MIAM session is £100.00 plus VAT per person.  If you or we together decide that mediation is not right for your situation, then you will receive a certificate to confirm that you have attended the MIAM .  This will be needed to commence court proceedings if you feel that is your only alternative, that is what you intend, or you are legally advised to do so.

(Legal aid is available in limited circumstances for MIAM's but is not something we offer at present.  Please get in touch for further details.)

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Moving forward to mediation will involve you in a voluntary process that is led by both of you. It is impartial, transparent, confidential (subject only to the prevention of harm to you or a child and necessary criminal or unlawful duty of disclosure), and cannot be used in future court proceedings without your consent.  At Wildblood we ensure a safe space for you to discuss and negotiate freely without fear of harm or intimidation.

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Mediation can be a much quicker and more cost effective process than court proceedings and you could be reaching a resolution to your difficulties within 3 or 4, 90 minute sessions at a cost of £200.00 plus VAT per person, per 90 minute session.   Mediation offers you the chance to reach agreement and not have that decision imposed upon you by a Judge. 

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All of our mediation sessions can be held in person at our Ripon offices and are also offered as a Zoom or Teams meeting with the option of a 'shuttle' meeting if circumstances dictate (where you are not both in the same room or on the same screen as if you were in different rooms).

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For all of these reasons mediation is especially effective where the decisions to be made involve your children.  There can be no denying that parents separating can leave children struggling emotionally and anger and sadness are normal emotions as are feelings that it is their fault somehow.  Mediation helps you to have conversations and work out your differences so that you can be funtional for the sake of your children, who need you both now, more than ever. Additionally, in the right circumstances we can hear what the children have to say, in an impartial space where they will feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings.  In matters concerning decisons and arrangements in respect of the children we would always recommend that you consider a Parenting Plan and the CAFCASS website offers a host of information. We can agree and draw up a Parenting Plan or a schedule of arrangments for the children if you wish to make the arrangments more formal.

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If you are looking to reach agreement in respect of your finances then you will each need to be prepared for the sessions by providing information in respect of your finances.  The form we advise that you fill in (the same form a solicitor or the court will expect you to fill in) and the information you will need to provide can be found here. If you already have a solicitor and have been referred to us during that process then please let the solicitor know that we need that information.

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Mediation. What's not to like?

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Mediation Services: (per person)

MIAM £100 plus VAT

60 minute mediation £150 plus VAT

90 minute mediation session £200 plus VAT

Child Consultation Meeting £100 plus VAT

Preparation of Parenting Plan £100 plus VAT

Memo of Understanding  £100 plus VAT

(If we are acting as your mediator, we cannot act as your legal adviser and you will each need to have a seperate lawyer to give you legal advice on any agreement and draft any order or document that is to be lodged with the court. These costs should be factored in to your likely budget)

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If you would like more information or if you have a question, please call on 01765 357005 or email on hello@wildbloodlegal.co.uk 

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