In the midst of a relationship breakdown many couples experience a lack of trust and have problems with communication. This makes it extremely difficult for them  to reach agreement on a range of issues.

Child Issues - there can be disagreements over how much time the children will spend with each parent, and what the rules should be regarding contact with grandparents and new partners.  There can also be arguments over other child arrangements such as schooling, holidays and out of school activities.

Financial Issues - there are also difficult financial decisions to take, such as selling or keeping your current house, deciding on any financial support or maintenance payments from a higher earner to a lower earner, and agreeing on how to split other assets such as penions, savings and investments. 

Some couples are able to sort everything out through informal discussions, but many are unable to resolve matters themselves and they may end up using a family solicitor and possibly going to court. If both husband and wife retain a solicitor to represent them it can be very expensive, especially of there are strong disagreements and the case goes to court to be decided by a family court judge.

Family mediation is a cost effective method of resolving these disputes

Mediation is an effective approach to resolving disagreements between a divorcing (or separating) couple. A family mediator can facilitate a series of discussions between the couple in order to arrive at a joint agreement over key issues such as finances (including property and pensions) and child arrangements.

The couple attend a local mediation centre where they have a series of face to face meetings in the presence of a single impartial mediator who facilitates the discussions.

In around 70% of cases agreement is reached within 2 or 3 sessions and the mediator will write up the agreement. If the discussions were over finances you can then Wikivorce's fixed fee service to get a legally binding document called a Consent Order drafted by a solicitor and sent to court to be approved by family court judge.