Court proceedings, which pit one party against the other in an adversarial environment, can be unpleasant and stressful. Relationships can be destroyed, leaving former partners unable to discuss even minor matters afterwards. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with mediation helps couples to avoid court proceedings altogether.

At Stowe Family Law Settlements, ADR mediation is provided by a team of family lawyer mediators with a reputation for winning excellent results. The team is led by Marilyn Stowe: one of the UK’s best-known family lawyers, with more than 25 years’ experience handling divorce cases and family law proceedings.

Following an initial meeting with both of you in the same room, the lawyer mediator will provide a frank assessment of your case, discussing what the likely outcome would be if it went to court. ADR mediation works best when, despite the dispute, you are able to co-operate with your former partner and your lawyer mediator to help you negotiate, develop and formally agree upon the best solution.

Instead of two lawyers you have one lawyer mediator or, in certain situations, two “co-mediators” with complementary skills. ADR mediation removes the need for barristers. Direct communication means that you can avoid the seemingly endless letters that often pass between a couple's solicitors. As a result, the fees are likely to be lower.

Stowe Family Law Settlements’ ADR mediation service can also lead to a relatively swift resolution for a case. Avoiding court means that you and your former partner will avoid the protracted hearings process and timetable delays.

The negotiations, overseen by a neutral lawyer mediator, will take place in a neutral environment: our offices in Yorkshire, Cheshire or London. Your lawyer mediator will not be partial or judgmental, but will work to help both of you to reach a suitable agreement.

As with our partner firm, Stowe Family Law, Stowe Family Law Settlements clients benefit from the expertise of our in-house forensic accountancy team. When clients come to see us for the first time, our forensic accountants can provide immediate guidance regarding valuations of businesses and trusts.

Family court judgements can be published and in many cases, members of the press can attend court hearings. ADR mediation, however, allows your family to maintain its privacy: there are no judgements to be published and your lawyer mediator will not reveal anything discussed during negotiations to anyone other than the participants.

Family Law Settlements enjoys close links with local partner organisations including counselling and therapy services. We don’t just provide mediation expertise; when required, we can help you and your former partner to secure emotional and practical support too.

Family law disputes can be delicate or rancorous affairs. But when a family law dispute is resolved with dignity, with a formal agreement willingly signed by you and your former partner, the aftertaste can be less bitter. Ready to enjoy fresh beginnings, you and your loved ones can move on with your lives.