A Simpler Path Through Divorce: Mediation and Divorce Online

Mediation and Divorce Online

Divorce can be a difficult experience. Mediation offers a constructive way to discuss sensitive issues and find solutions that work for everyone involved. This guide explains how mediation can help, especially when combined with the comprehensive services offered by Divorce Online.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, the mediator, helps couples discuss sensitive issues like finances and children in a calm and structured setting. The goal is a fair agreement both parties can accept, avoiding the conflict of traditional legal battles. The mediator guides the conversation, ensures everyone is heard, and focuses on solutions, but they don’t make decisions for you. You and your ex-partner decide the outcome.

The Mediation Process with Alliance Family Mediation

1. MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting): Each person meets separately and confidentially with a mediator from Alliance Family Mediation. This meeting explains the mediation process, explores your concerns, and identifies what you hope to achieve.

2. Mediation Session(s): If everyone agrees mediation is right for you, joint sessions are scheduled with Alliance Family Mediation. These sessions address the specific issues you need to resolve, such as financial arrangements or child custody. The number of sessions varies, but many agreements are reached within two or three.

3. Outcome: If you reach an agreement, it’s written down and shared with both of you. This document outlines the agreed-upon terms and responsibilities. If you can’t agree, the mediator will discuss your other options.

How Mediation Can Help

Mediation is particularly useful for discussing:

• Financial matters: Dividing assets, deciding on spousal support, and other financial arrangements.
• Child arrangements: Creating parenting plans, determining custody, and ensuring both parents maintain a relationship with their children.

Agreements reached through mediation with Alliance Family Mediation work seamlessly with Divorce Online’s services to create legally binding documents, such as financial consent orders or child arrangement orders.

What if My Ex Refuses Mediation?

Mediation is voluntary. No one can be forced to participate. However, it’s often more affordable and amicable than lengthy legal battles. Agreements reached through mediation are also more likely to be followed because both parties created them. If your ex-partner refuses, the mediator will give you a certificate of attendance at a MIAM, which you might need if you go to court.

Cost of Mediation

Divorce Online recommends Alliance Family Mediation, which offers affordable services. Costs typically start around £130 per person for the MIAM and £130 per person per hour for joint sessions. Mediation is much cheaper than solicitor-led negotiations. Legal aid may be available for those on low incomes, and government mediation vouchers may also be available. Contact Alliance Family Mediation for details.

Will Mediation Speed Up My Divorce?

Mediation can speed up divorce by helping you agree on key issues faster. When both parties are willing to work together, it can be much quicker and less stressful than going to court. However, the speed depends on how willing you both are to compromise. While the divorce process has mandatory waiting periods, mediation can be used during those periods to resolve outstanding issues, making the final order process smoother.

From Start to Finish with Divorce Online

Divorce Online now provides a complete solution for your divorce, from the initial idea to the final order and financial settlement. By partnering with Alliance Family Mediation, we can guide you through every step, reducing the need for expensive lawyers. You can now achieve a legally sound and mutually agreeable outcome without the high legal costs usually involved in divorce.

Moving Forward

While mediation isn’t required before applying for divorce, it’s still a very effective way to resolve financial and child arrangement matters. The mandatory waiting periods in divorce offer a perfect time for couples to use mediation with Alliance Family Mediation to reach agreements, which can then be turned into court orders through Divorce Online’s services. Contact Divorce Online today to learn how we can support you and help you save money on legal fees.