When a relationship breaks down and there is significant complexity involved, a family home, pensions, a business, investments, or complicated arrangements for children, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Many people assume that mediation is only suitable for straightforward situations.
Mediation works for complex situations
At Vollans Mediation, some of the most successful outcomes we’ve seen have involved exactly the kind of complexity that people assume rules mediation out. Financial cases involving businesses, property portfolios, pensions, and significant assets. Child arrangements involving blended families, international considerations, or strongly held disagreements. These are situations where having a skilled, neutral mediator to guide the process can make an enormous difference.
Mediation does not mean sitting in the same room if that feels unsafe or impossible. We offer online appointments, and shuttle mediation (where you’re both in separate spaces), whatever works best for you.
What does the mediation process actually look like?
The process starts with a MIAM, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a one-to-one meeting with your mediator where we talk through your situation, explain your options, and decide together whether mediation is the right route. There is no pressure and no commitment at this stage.
If you decide to proceed, joint sessions are structured around the issues that need to be resolved. We work at your pace. We prepare written summaries after each session so you always have a clear record of where things stand.
What kinds of issues can mediation cover?
- What happens to the family home: a sale, transfer, or deferred arrangements
- Division of pensions, savings, and investments
- Dealing with business assets and valuations
- Child arrangements, including where children live and how time is shared
- Ongoing financial support
- Any other matters you need to resolve
How does it compare to going to court?
Instructing solicitors and making an application to court in relation to financial arrangements can cost £10,000 to £20,000 each, with some people being quoted as much as £40,000. Mediation typically costs a fraction of that, is significantly faster, and puts you in control of the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge. If you would like to understand the costs involved in mediation with our service, they can be found here.
Mediation is not right for every situation. If there are safety concerns or significant power imbalances, we will always discuss this with you honestly at the MIAM stage. But for the majority of separating couples, including those with significant complexity, it is worth exploring seriously.
Next steps
If you’re not sure whether mediation is right for your situation, the best thing to do is book a MIAM and have an honest conversation with one of our experienced mediators. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will leave with a much clearer picture of your options.
Ready to find out more? Call us on 0113 213 3662 or email info@vollansmediation.co.uk