Bowling & Co joins Resolution scheme for family mediation

Bowling & Co has joined the Resolution family mediator scheme and can now provide family mediation services.

Family Mediation is a process that can be used to resolve disputes that arise before, during or after the breakdown of a family relationship.

Mediation is a voluntary, impartial and confidential process whereby parties are provided with an opportunity to reach agreement over their financial or children issues with the help of a mediator. The role of the Mediator who is an independent and impartial third party, is not to provide legal advice but to facilitate discussions between the parties with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. It is recommended that the parties obtain legal advice alongside the mediation process.

Mediation provides the parties with a safe environment in which to explore their options in the hope of reaching agreement over the issues which are in dispute between them. This process saves on time and costs of Court proceedings.

Since 6 April 2011, all potential applicants for a Court order in relevant family proceedings will be expected, before making their application, to have followed the steps set out in the Pre-Application Protocol. This requires a potential Applicant except in certain specified circumstances, to consider with a mediator whether the dispute may be capable of being resolved through mediation. The Court will expect all Applicants to have complied with the Protocol before commencing proceedings and (except where exceptional circumstances apply) will expect any Respondent to have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, if invited to do so. The Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) provides the parties with an opportunity to discuss their problems with a Mediator. The mediator will contact your partner/spouse and discuss the possibility of undertaking mediation. 

Mediation can be used before, during and after Court proceedings. If Court proceedings are taken, the Court will wish to know at the First Hearing whether mediation has been considered by the parties. In considering the conduct of any relevant family proceedings, the Court will take into account any failure to comply with the Protocol and may refer the parties to a meeting with a mediator before the proceedings continue further.

If you would like more information please contact our Urmilla Seenath, our Resolution mediator, on 020 8221 8088 or at urmilla.seenath@bowlinglaw.co.uk.