Mediation Support

When parties are divorcing and/or have issues around children but want to avoid going to court, one of the non-court dispute resolution options includes mediation. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential service that helps couples resolve disputes, with the help of an independent professional – a mediator. Stephens Scown offers family mediation support to help guide individuals through the mediation process. We can also provide tailored advice in the background to help couples work towards a positive conclusion.

Offering Support in Mediations

At Stephens Scown, our experienced family team provides practical, tailored legal support alongside mediation, helping clients to participate confidently and constructively in the process.

There are several forms of mediation; standard mediation, shuttle mediation and solicitor-supported mediation. These options can be used for child support or for financial matters arising from separation or divorce.

Standard Mediation

Standard mediation is the most common form of mediation and involves both parties meeting in the same room with the mediator. Our team regularly supports individuals who are engaged in mediation by providing clear, strategic advice before and throughout the process. We can discuss what is required in financial disclosure, help with settlement proposals and negotiations.

Seeking legal advice outside of mediation can be invaluable. While mediators facilitate discussions and assist parties in reaching an agreement, they are impartial and unable to provide legal advice. Our expertise ensures that clients understand their legal position at every stage. We can also deal with drafting settlement documentation for filing at court, which is not something a mediator can do.

Shuttle Mediation

Shuttle mediation is where the parties are in separate rooms, with the mediator going between them to communicate. This option can be particularly suitable where there is a higher level of conflict and one or both parties would prefer to be in separate rooms.

Solicitor-Supported Mediation

Solicitor-supported mediation allows parties to attend mediation with their respective solicitors. This enables parties to receive advice from their solicitors in real time whilst they are engaged in a mediation session. You can read more about this service that we offer.

Where Can Our Family Team Help You?

We are an award winning, specialist family team with offices in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. We can provide additional guidance and legal support in mediation for both children and financial matters. If you are unsure whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances or would like to explore alternative options, our family team will be able to explain the available routes and advise you on the best way forward.

It important to be aware that once an agreement has been reached in mediation, to make the agreement legally binding, a solicitor will need to be instructed to draw up the agreement which will then be submitted to the court for approval.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much support can a solicitor offer during a mediation?

The level of support a solicitor can provide during mediation will depend on your individual needs and how you choose to engage with the process.

As outlined above, solicitor supported mediation is the highest level of support as we would be actively involved in, and attend those sessions. In other instances, you may prefer to receive legal advice in between sessions.

At Stephens Scown, our family team is available to provide robust yet sensitive mediation support whenever you require it, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout.

Are mediations done in person?

Mediation can be online or in person depending on your preferences. This flexibility makes mediation a more accessible option for many people.

If you would like recommendations for mediators in Devon Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset, please contact our family team who will be able to point you in the right direction.