Welcome to our blog page
The Role of Solicitors in Family Mediation – Guest blog by solicitor Kate Brooks of Woolley & Co
I am a divorce and family law solicitor but I am also a qualified family mediator so I am quite well placed to talk about how the two work together, for the benefit of a couple. Selecting the right mediator is essential One of the roles of a family law...
A Parenting Plan is a Good Thing, Right?
A parenting plan is a good thing. When parents live together they chat about their kids when they eat breakfast, brush their teeth, walk to the shops, watch their kids play in the park and so on. Those conversations don't happen after separation, so a parenting plan...
Why Should We Turn To Mediation?
Why should we turn to mediation first when we need help to resolve differences, problems and disagreements? Mediation offers much more than you may think Sometimes when I speak to a prospective client they'll explain the reason for their call finishing with something...
Who pays for family mediation?
The participants share the cost of mediation equally Who pays for family mediation depends on the circumstances. Most of our mediation clients pay for mediation in equal shares. Benefits and drawbacks One benefit of sharing the cost is that both participants buy into...
immediate /ɪˈmiːdɪət/ verb: mediating instantly
Immediate Immediate isn't a word I'd normally associate with mediation. While they share the same Latin root - 'mediatus', meaning 'intervening' - and the idea of litigating instantly is acceptable: mediating instantly? Mediate now! No waiting necessary: Mediating...
What’s in the Best Interests of Children?
The Best Interests of Children When I meet a mum or a dad for the first time before a parenting mediation, it's likely each of them will at some point want to impress upon me that they know best what's in "the best interests of children". I believe they are genuine....
What’s the Difference Between Mediators and Lawyers?
What's the difference between mediators and lawyers? People sometimes ask me, "What's the difference between mediators and lawyers?". Some of those asking may think they know what lawyers do. And who am I to say that they don't? But being a lawyer covers a wide...
Some of My Best Friends Are Lawyers
Some of My Best Friends Are Lawyers As Lenny Bruce (Google him if you don't know) might have said, some of my best friends are lawyers. No, really. Stop laughing. I may be a mediator, but I practised as a solicitor for nearly 20 years and spent all that...
What’s a MIAM and do you need one?
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. Find out more by reading this short summary.