The family law mediation services provided by Stowe Family Law Settlements in London, Yorkshire and Cheshire is particularly effective for couples who wish to resolve their dispute without resorting to expensive, time-consuming and stressful court proceedings. It allows families to maintain control over decisions that will affect family life. However it is important that, irrespective of the dispute, the couple is committed to working together to find the best solution.

If you come to Stowe Family Law Settlements you want to reach an agreement – which is a good start. Perhaps you do not know how to reach a suitable agreement, or you do not know where to begin. Our trained mediators, who are also experienced lawyers, will speak plainly about the likely outcome if your case goes to court. They will assist in narrowing the issues between you and your former partner and will help you both to explore options and solutions that you may have not have considered previously.

In theory there are no losers at Stowe Family Law Settlements, because the couple reaches a mutually agreeable resolution. This does not mean that the family law mediation and negotiation process is an easy one; indeed, it can be extremely challenging. Sometimes it is necessary to compromise to get what you both really need, but whatever is agreed upon is mutual and you will not be made to agree to anything that you do not want.

Generally speaking, the sooner the better. However if you are ready to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution and your former partner is not, be patient. You can always contact us for advice if you are unsure of your next step.

Couples who are seeking to resolve family law disputes. Anyone who is seeking to resolve a family law dispute. Divorce, separation, contact issues, financial issues, grandparents’ rights, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements are all covered.

There are no time constraints. Your dispute could be resolved in a matter of days, or a matter of weeks. Every case is different.

If a mutually agreeable resolution can be reached, a formal settlement will be drafted by Stowe Family Law Settlements’ solicitors and signed by both of you. In many cases (such as divorce) paperwork will need to be filed with the court, but if the court accepts the terms of your agreement you will not have to make any court appearances.

One advantage of Alternative Dispute Resolution is that with no barristers or court proceedings, the fees are likely to be lower. The sooner your dispute can be resolved, the lower the fees are likely to be. Before your first meeting we will outline the fee structure and you will receive a brochure and information pack that sets out our fees clearly and concisely.

The couple will meet with a family lawyer mediator and the issues, interests and positions of each person will be outlined. The couple will be informed of the likely outcome or outcomes, should the case go to court. Negotiations, facilitated by the family lawyer mediator, will begin.

Mediators have a professional duty of confidentiality. The rare exceptions to this rule are as follows:

i. If any person (particularly a child) is at risk of serious harm we have a duty to inform the appropriate authorities.
ii. Where we are required to make disclosure to the appropriate government authority under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and/or money laundering regulations and/or other law.
iii. We may disclose personal data in connection with the alleged or established commission of an unlawful act.