Resolving your finances amicably in preparation for financial separation and Divorce
Expert Financial and Property Mediation
Financial Mediation
No matter how hard it feels right now at Family and Finance Mediation First we can help you navigate a way forward with your finances that works for both of you, keeping you both firmly in the driving seat.
Dividing finances during a divorce ; civil partnership dissolution or separating after co-habitation can be one of the most challenging and emotional aspects of separation. At Family and Finance Mediation First we understand those challenges and specialise in guiding separating couples through fair and transparent financial mediation.
Whether you’re discussing property, pensions, business and other assets, or ongoing financial support for one another or for children, our expert family mediators are trained to help you reach an agreement that works for both of you—without the stress and cost of court proceedings.
How Does Finance Mediation Work?
1
Initial Consultation (MIAM)
You and your ex-partner each need to meet on a 1-1 with one of our expert mediators to discuss your personal situation and outline the issues you are seeking to resolve and hear more about how it works.
The MIAM is confidential and is now a requirement for any person considering applying to court*. Ir is now expected that both parties attend a MIAM and the court may direct you to do so.
2
Joint Mediation Sessions
During the first joint mediation meeting which is online you will each present the information that you have been asked to prepare in preparation for full disclosure. The mediator will prepare an asset schedule with you present as you present your financial information. The sorts of information you will be asked to bring will be financial documents relevant to your situation, for example including assets, debts, income, and expenses.
3
Negotiation and Discussion
Once disclosure is complete the mediator will facilitate discussions between you during joint sessions. They will help you, explore the issues, and consider different options towards mutually beneficial agreements.
Joint sessions do not always mean in the same room as your ex-partner
This can take between 2 and 4 mediation sessions. In some circumstances it may take longer
4
Final Proposals
If you reach a mutually agreeable way forward the mediator will draft an open financial statement highlighting the financial position of you both, and a Summary letter or MOU outlining the proposed terms of your agreement. We always recommend that you obtain some independent legal advice about the proposed way forward before entering into any legally binding contract. Once you are both comfortable with your proposals you can have these drafted into a consent order and ask the court to make them legally binding.
What is Financial Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a collaborative process where separating couples work with a neutral mediator to reach fair agreements on financial matters.
Mediation will help you both focus on open and transparent communication about your finances, help to reduce conflict, undertake full and frank financial disclosure, and can help you resolve arrangements for children if you have any.
For most people mediation enables them to explore practical solutions that benefit them both and helps them find a way forward that they can each live with.
Whether you’re dividing property, discussing pensions, or other assets, or trying to resolve debts to enable you to reach a solution that works for each of you, then mediation offers a cost-effective and less stressful way to sort things out.
What sorts of things can we discuss in Finance Mediation and Divorce Mediation
Whether you are married, in a civil partnership or not, it makes no difference to us.
We can help people in each of those situations to find a solution in relation to :-
Issues that you can resolve:
- Property and asset division
- Pension sharing and retirement planning
Debt allocation - Financial support for one another -Spousal maintenance
- Business ownership and investments
- Financial support for children https://www.gov.uk/child-maintenance-service
- Child Arrangements
Why Choose Mediation ?
Cost
Effective
Mediation is significantly less expensive than ongoing litigation through solicitors and the courts
Faster
Resolutions
Agreements can be reached in weeks, not months or years.
Confidential and Private
Discussions in mediation remain private, unlike court proceedings.
Empowering
Decisions
You control the outcome rather than leaving it to a judge.
Child-Focused Solutions
Prioritises the financial stability and well-being of your children.
Starting the Mediation Process
We know that it can feel daunting considering doing something new, that’s why we make it as easy as possible for you to start the mediation process.
The first steps is to set up an initial mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM) with one of our expert mediators. You can easily book this by contacting us