Find out how we can help with separation of your civil partnership
Civil partnership mediation can be a challenging and emotional process following your separation. It involves resolving disputes relating to finances, property, children and communication breakdowns. If you find yourself in such a situation, you don’t have to go through it alone. Free Family Mediation offers you an avenue to navigate this process amicably and without incurring excessive expenses.
What is Civil Partnership Mediation?
Civil partnership mediation is a voluntary process that aims to help couples who are ending their relationship to reach agreements on issues such as finances, children and property. The process involves a trained mediator who facilitates discussions between the couple to reach fair and practical solutions. The mediator remains impartial throughout the process and helps both parties to communicate effectively.
Free Family Mediation offers several benefits when compared to other forms of dispute resolution. These include:
Cost-effective
Mediation can be less expensive than litigation, where fees can accumulate quickly. Free Family Mediation is free for those eligible for Legal Aid, meaning that those who cannot afford legal representation can still receive professional assistance.
Confidentiality
The mediation process is confidential, meaning that information discussed during the process cannot be used in court. This confidentiality provides a safe and open space to discuss sensitive topics and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Flexibility
Mediation can be more flexible than a court-imposed decision. The couple has more control over the outcome and can customize the agreement to fit their unique circumstances.
Cooperation
Mediation encourages cooperation and understanding between the parties involved. The process aims to develop a solution that is good for everyone, rather than having a winner and a loser.
Speed
Mediation proceedings can be completed quickly, with most cases being resolved within 4-6 sessions. This means that couples can move forward with their lives sooner.
Free Family Mediation offers mediation services free to those eligible for Legal Aid. Legal Aid is a government-funded programme that provides free legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford it. To qualify for Legal Aid, you must meet certain financial criteria.
If you are eligible for Legal Aid, Free Family Mediation can help you by providing mediation services at no cost to you. The mediator will guide you through the process and provide impartial support to help you reach an agreement.
Family mediation is a crucial tool in resolving disputes, particularly in the context of civil partnerships and the dissolution of a civil partnership. The family mediation process begins with a mediation information and assessment meeting, where a family mediator, acting as a neutral third party, provides empathetic guidance. This process is designed to address financial matters, parenting plans, and other complexities of separation.
Mediation sessions offer a cheaper resolution compared to court proceedings and aim for an amicable resolution through active listening and full disclosure. In Northern Ireland and across the UK, family mediation services have a proven track record in helping couples of both sexes navigate significant changes in their relationships. The mediator’s unique role includes facilitating discussions to reach a financial settlement and drafting a consent order, which provides legal protection and recognition of the agreement. This approach respects the diverse preferences of involved individuals and the evolution of civil partnerships, offering a steady interest in maintaining similar rights and legal frameworks as those under the traditional label of marriage.
By focusing on the point of view of each party and addressing issues such as unreasonable behaviour and domestic abuse, family mediation ensures that the dissolution of civil partnerships is handled with care and legal term precision, ultimately leading to a memorandum of understanding that formalises the agreement.
Civil partnership mediation can be a difficult, emotional and expensive process. However, with Free Family Mediation, you don’t have to go through it alone. We offer professional mediation services at no cost to those eligible for Legal Aid. Our trained mediators can help you navigate this process, reach fair agreements and move forward with your life. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.