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Divorce mediation — Mediator
Separating partners may need a structured way to discuss next steps while legal and practical questions are intertwined. An enquiry should name the topics and the stage of separation without publishing family documents or personal financial details; private assessment should determine whether mediation is appropriate.
Service scope
Facilitated discussion of practical matters arising from separation or divorce where the process is suitable. The mediator helps participants explore arrangements and proposals, but does not grant a divorce, decide financial entitlement or provide each person's independent legal representation.
What is normally included
- Discussion of separation arrangements
- Exploration of financial or parenting proposals
- Agreed summaries for independent review
What is not included
- Filing or obtaining a divorce automatically
- Determining legal entitlement
- Joint mediation where suitability or safety has not been established
Typical tasks
- Assess suitability separately
- Identify the arrangements to discuss
- Agree what information is needed
- Facilitate comparison of participants' proposals
- Prepare a record for appropriate independent advice
What to include in your brief
- Topics such as finances or parenting
- Whether both people are willing to discuss mediation
- Existing legal or court involvement
- Broad timing requirements
- Preferred language and meeting format
Choosing the right professional
Select a family mediator who explains screening, neutrality and the distinction between proposals and legally effective documents. Ask how independent advice, disclosure questions and child-related concerns will be managed without promising a particular financial or parenting outcome.
Important considerations
- Separation can involve safety or power-imbalance concerns
- Important information may be incomplete or disputed
- Divorce and court deadlines remain separate from mediation
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