I qualified as a Family Law Mediator in 2010 after intensive training via Resolution, which entailed 9 days in London over the course of three months, plus assessments, a written exam and mock mediations and roleplay. I subsequently undertook regular training and ongoing professional development including co-mediations and observed mediations. 

Mediation plays to my strengths of being very experienced in all areas of Family Law whilst also looking, at every stage of every case, at the bigger picture and considering what is best overall for clients, rather than trying to fight every individual battle and argue everything. Ultimately, Family law disputes can cost an awful lot of time and money, and can easily cause very bad feelings which might last forever and affect children and other personal relationships. The vast majority of cases end up settling by negotiation. Very few cases end up actually being decided by a Judge at a final hearing. 

Whilst there will always be some cases which are unsuitable for mediation – and I have had specific training in identifying issues which might result in mediation either being unsuitable or needing to be carried out by shuttle or indirectly – I believe there is a role for mediation in virtually every case, and even one session of mediation in a Family case can help reduce conflict, reduce misunderstandings, progress issues such as disclosure and settlement discussions, and enable parties to save a lot of time, money and other resources. 

Regarding mediation fees, please see here : Fees