Stepping out of the courtroom and into the coffee room
Money, home and stability
On divorce some of the most important decisions couples need to make are about where they are both going to live, money and future stability for each of them and their children.
We are often asked questions such as
Q: We’re getting divorced and have children - what decisions do we need to be thinking about?
A: Most couples want to know where everyone will live, what happens to the family home, how incomes may need to be shared, what child maintenance looks like, and how any debts and pensions are dealt with. Mediation gives you a structured space to consider all the issues step by step with expert guidance so that you can create final proposals to deal with everything. You can then speak to a lawyer to check you remain comfortable with the proposals and if you are, a formally binding court order can be prepared for approval by a Judge.
Q: How do we even start talking about finances?
A: The first step is sharing full financial information about all assets, income, debts, pensions, and future living costs. A mediator will then prepare a joint financial summary, so you’re both working from the same page, before you start to discuss all the different options for creating final proposals. The mediator knows all of the things that need to be included in the final court order so, step by step, they will help you both make final decisions about what to do next. This process often takes 3-6 meetings.
Q: Can mediation cover both parenting arrangements and finances together?
A: Yes, many families use mediation to agree on a parenting plan and a financial settlement in the same process, often in separate but linked sessions. This means decisions about where everyone is going to live, how assets are going to be shared and any ongoing maintenance payments can be made with the children’s needs in mind.
If you would like to discuss how mediation might be able to help you or someone you know, call us on 0800 206 2258 or email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk . You can also book a free call via our website at www.familymediationandmentoring.co.uk
