10/06/2026
A mediation type of process is not a tool to force you to go and learn to be nice to each other. This is often misunderstood by solicitors and by clients and recently came to light. The end result aimed for, can be the same. The solutions arrived at often are far wider than the law can give and more satisfying as the process takes the whole wider picture into account. It pushes everyone forward to hold the past in the past, not repeating cycles that have are often destructive and counterproductive. All can examine the situation and the conflict is halted with the aim of reaching an agreement which is usually formalised. Resolution services such as ours take you through a process that requires commitment to the resolution. It does not continue our combative legal method of resolution which is highly stressful and expensive. The process carves out an agreement which can be used, usually, at almost any stage of a conflict, prior and preventative as conflict is looming, when already faced with legal proceedings, during or near the end of proceedings or even in long standing entrenched conflict where no end in sight seems possible where legal proceedings are not involved. In divorce proceedings for example there can be a number of things that require agreement and/or a court order and with a solicitor this can be eye wateringly expensive. If you find you need to agree one issue, or even ten issues that all require formalising and/or require being turned into a court order, this can be done in a mediation. Often it can be too difficult for a group face to face mediation to take place. Sometimes there are difficult or challenging circumstances but things still need to be sorted and agreed. This is why the bespoke private meeting method might the better solution for some and a trusted person such as a friend or family member can be with you for support during a meeting. Depending on the amount of things that need to be addressed, you can book a few hours or a day or two and you can separate items on the same matter but tackle them in separate bookings. This speeds up the process significantly, reduces time and stress. LEGAL FEES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED because protracted letters and arguments between parties and solicitors do not happen and court fees are avoided. Mediation is now a fundamental part of the legal process and is often required by Courts to have been attempted before the matter can go to court. We can meet online face to face and go through the item(s) as a group together, and if you wish you can have your solicitor available on phone or email in the background if you wish to consult on matters, and then also at the end to be ready to take your final agreement. In this kind of mediation you draw up the agreement yourselves as we go along. You choose to formalise it into a court order and if so, sign it and send it off to your solicitors straight away. Alternatively the new bespoke method uses private face to face meetings, plus a written personal testimony which includes the situation and desired outcomes which you send to me. This is followed by a draft mutual agreement based on your desired mutual agreement which I facilitate. When it has been considered, amended and agreed, it is signed by you ready to send to your solicitor for formalising if required. This private meeting method reduces the pressure and stress but still results in resolution and all the benefits of a standard mediation. If you would like to discuss a way forward that suits you and finalises your situation, call me on 01983 593012. I look forward to being of help.
