Mediation

At Coffin Mew LLP, we are delighted to be able to offer an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) section to our clients as a means of resolving legal disputes through mediation, rather than using the more traditional Court process.

In the Family department both Chris Upfield and Catherine Merrell-Jones are Resolution trained Mediators.

Working together

• Mediation puts the couple in charge of the process.
• An environment where both of you can voice your opinions
• You decide the outcome of your dispute rather than the Court
• Children’s priorities will be kept at the forefront of the discussions
• You are free to talk and discuss the options available

The Role of the Mediator

• The Mediator will meet with the couple
• They are impartial
• They cannot advise either party
• As experienced family lawyers, they are able to give legal information to the couple

Mediation does not replace legal advice. The Mediator will recommend you seek advice throughout the process.  You can consult your solicitor at any time, either as the mediation progresses or at the end of the process.

How it works

• If finances are involved, there will be disclosure of all assets and information
• Options for settlement are put forward and considered to see if they would work in practice
• Once proposals are agreed, the Mediator will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding to show the decisions reached
• At the end of the process you will take your proposals to your solicitor to complete the legal formalities

There are other alternatives to the traditional court process for family matters.  For more information on Mediation or to look at the alternative of collaborative law, please follow this link.  There is also a link to the Resolution website which gives more details about the training of mediators.

If you wish to speak to either of the team, contact Chris on 023 9236 6004 or Catherine on 023 8048 3754 for more information.