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This week is “Mediation Awareness Week” and we want to make you aware of this invaluable service Duncan Lewis Solicitors now offer.

When family relationships break down or a married or civil partnered couple separate, families face a variety of challenges. Among these are practical considerations such as “What arrangements will be best for any children?” and “What will happen to my home and/or to our finances?” Discussions and agreement about these questions can often lead to conflict and heartache and having the right support and professional advice and assistance can make all the difference.

Making an application to the Court is often the first thought when it is not possible to agree arrangements amicably however, this is rarely the best or most cost effective option and can often be daunting and in reality only increase tensions and stresses further. Indeed, the Courts emphasise and require alternative ways of resolving disputes to be considered before an application is made.

Every couple and family is different and what is best for one is not the same as for another. Choosing the best process for you and your family from the outset can save time, money and anxiety. Family mediators are independent and impartial third parties, there to manage the process, meet with both parties, identify the issues that cannot be agreed upon and help to manage what are often very difficult discussions, aiming to help you reach agreement about the best arrangements for you and your family.

Mediation provides a ‘safe’, confidential and balanced space, empowering you to reach your own informed decisions and outcomes, relevant and suitable for your family’s individual circumstances.

It is widely accepted that an agreement reached by two people themselves following active discussions and choices by them about what is the best way forward stands more chance of being adhered to, compared to what can sometimes feel is a ‘list’ of requirements imposed by a Court, particularly where matters relate to arrangements for children.

A recent survey undertaken by the Family Mediation Council shows that mediation is successful in over 70% of cases, even where a person is initially sceptical about the process and likelihood of success.

We offer family mediation in respect all types of children, finances and property disputes. Sophie Burchett, a family and child care solicitor and member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, is a Resolution-trained ‘all issues’ family mediator. Sophie is an experienced family and child care solicitor and has a wide-range of experience specialising in both public and private law children matters and domestic violence work. She offers mediation services along-side her continuing legal practice, remaining committed to resolving family disputes fairly and amicably and, where appropriate, encourages and provides the opportunity for out-of-court settlement rather than litigation, to ensure parties and in particularly any children, remain the primary focus during the process.

In conjunction with Mediation Awareness Week Sophie is offering her services at a reduced rate of £150ph + VAT until the end of February 2021. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

To contact Sophie Burchett to find out more about how family mediation can help you and your family, telephone 020 7923 4020 or 020 7014 7382 or email Sophie directly at sophiebu@duncanlewis.com.