Welcome to Midwest Mediation
I provide a safe space and facilitate you in finding your best way forward in making decisions about your children, the family home, finances and the future.
-
Mediation, what is it?
Mediation provides a safe and confidential space for you and your ex-partner to come to an agreement in relation to decisions about your children, the family home, finances and the future. The process ensures that you are both treated fairly and given equal right to be heard in a safe space, and to have your wishes discussed and taken into account. Mediation is different to the adversarial court-based system. With the help of a professional Mediator, you and your ex-partner can make your own decisions about your unique situation and that of your family, rather than having a Judge make these important decisions for you.
-
Are the decisions made in mediation legally binding?
While the parties are making their decisions, the Mediator will assist them in working through whether they are practical. The Mediator can then draft documents that may be reviewed by the individuals’ solicitors / legal advisors prior to being finalised and signed at the conclusion of the mediation process. Under the Mediation Act 2017, an agreement reached in mediation can be considered a legally binding contract. It is more usual in cases of separating couples that the agreement reached in mediation would be considered self-binding and the individuals’ solicitors / legal advisors would draft legal documents based on that document that would then be made an Order of the Court. Your Mediator will discuss all of this with you in detail at the beginning of the mediation process.
-
How many sessions do we attend and how long does the process take?
The number of sessions required is different in each case, depending upon the issues that need to be resolved. I work in a very solution-focused manner to keep costs as low as possible.
-
What are the costs involved?
Mediation is very cost effective and the fees are much less than if you were contesting the matter in court. Please telephone Midwest Mediation for your quote.
-
Do I need a solicitor if I attend mediation?
You will be encouraged to obtain and avail of legal advice at the beginning of the mediation process, and during the process as required. The Mediator will be able to provide the individuals with information as to the legal process and the factors that they should be giving regard to, however the Mediator cannot give legal advice to the parties. Individuals may also consult a Solicitor at the conclusion of the mediation process to have their agreement made legally binding.
-
I’m not sure mediation is right for me, I can’t seem to communicate with my ex-partner?
At the initial assessment session, the Mediator assess whether you are in a place where mediation would be appropriate as well as time and cost effective for you. Mediation will not be appropriate in every circumstance, and the Mediator is trained to make that call at the earliest stage in the process. Mediation can help enormously with communication. The Mediator actively supports both sides in identifying their issues and needs, and in exploring how these needs can best be met. Mediators use their expertise to support and facilitate the separating couple as they work through the issues that concern them. The Mediator encourages and assists the parties to listen to each other, to understand the needs of each side and to find a workable and lasting solution.