Family Mediation
Our partner Alan Bayley is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Mediator, and is a member of CALM. CALM is a group of Scottish Family Law Mediators. You can find more information about CALM Mediation at www.calmscotland.co.uk.
Mediation is a voluntary process which, with the help of an impartial third party, allows a couple, who have issues or problems, to discuss how these can be resolved. The Mediator will help the parties to identify common ground and to find the best way forward.
When a couple separate, there can be so many issues and changes to deal with, that it can be hard to know where to start. A trained Family Mediator can help to keep the discussions on a constructive footing. The process of mediation is designed to support people who are feeling vulnerable and to address their concerns. It also allows all necessary information to be gathered and for options available to the parties to be explored.
The main benefit of mediation is that it provides a framework for parties to resolve their differences constructively rather than in a confrontational manner. The process gives the parties the power to decide on how their issues are to be resolved, particularly arrangements for the children rather than having decisions made for them by a third party or in a court. The process can be commenced at any time. It can take place before or after separation and before or after divorce.
An hourly rate is charged for mediation sessions. This is shared between the parties in whatever proportion they agree. The rates varies from time to time, but a firm quotation can be given at the outset of the mediation process. If the parties qualify for legal aid assistance from the Scottish Legal Aid Board may be available.
Any party interested in mediation through Stodarts should make contact with Alan Bayley by telephone on 01698 200302 or by email at alanbayley@stodarts.co.uk.
