Wealden Times | WT179 | January 2017 | Health & Beauty supplement inside
Wealden Times - The lifestyle magazine for the Weald
Wealden Times - The lifestyle magazine for the Weald
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All family mediators are<br />
regulated by the Family<br />
Mediation Council.<br />
Dawn Harrison<br />
Director & Head of the Family<br />
team, Whitehead monckton<br />
How much does mediation cost?<br />
The cost of a mediated settlement is likely to be substantially<br />
less than contested court proceedings. Charges vary between<br />
providers but on average, for each 1½ hour meeting, couples<br />
can expect to pay in the region of £300.00 each including<br />
VAT. Most couples need three or four meetings though<br />
complex arrangements will require more. A written record<br />
of the mediation settlement will cost in the region of £500.<br />
What are the advantages of mediation?<br />
• Reduction in tension and hostility<br />
through use of sensitive language.<br />
• Decisions made on an informed and shared basis.<br />
• Tailor made solutions to a couple’s particular needs.<br />
• Improving communication and cooperation.<br />
• Timetable of meetings suited to the<br />
couple not imposed by the court.<br />
• Greater focus given to the needs of<br />
children with each parent.<br />
• Lower legal costs.<br />
What is the difference between the role of a mediator<br />
and the role of a solicitor in divorce or family disputes?<br />
A mediator is an impartial facilitator to a couple’s discussions<br />
and agreement. They will supply legal information and<br />
explain if the decisions being taken are within parameters<br />
that a court would approve by order. A solicitor represents<br />
only one of the parties. He/she advises and advocates<br />
for that one party which may heighten the conflict of<br />
interests between the couple more than in mediation.<br />
How do I go about choosing the best mediator for my case?<br />
All family mediators are regulated by the Family Mediation<br />
Council. Contact is made using 0844 556 7215 or accessing<br />
familymediationcouncil.org.uk to establish who are the local<br />
mediators in your area. Personal recommendation can be<br />
helpful as can a preliminary meeting or call to establish<br />
the mediator’s experience and accreditation credentials.<br />
You can get in touch with Dawn Harrison on 01622<br />
698051 and dawnharrison@whitehead-monckton.co.uk<br />
Relationship at<br />
breaking point?<br />
The breakdown of any relationship can be very<br />
distressing. Whitehead Monckton family lawyers<br />
can help you through this stressful and painful time.<br />
We offer sensitive, constructive and cost effective legal<br />
advice. All our lawyers are experienced members<br />
of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational<br />
approach to resolving family problems.<br />
An initial fixed cost meeting for just £100 (inc VAT)<br />
with one of our lawyers can help you see your<br />
way forward and understand your legal position<br />
and options.<br />
Our town centre offices in Canterbury, Maidstone<br />
and Tenterden are conveniently located so please<br />
call to set up your initial discussion:<br />
Emma Palmer on Canterbury 01227 643276<br />
Dawn Harrison on Maidstone 01622 698051<br />
Daniel Bennett on Tenterden 01580 767529<br />
www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk<br />
www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk<br />
Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in<br />
England & Wales. Registered office 72 King Street, Maidstone, Kent,<br />
ME14 1BL. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation<br />
Authority under no. 608279.<br />
WT 1/17<br />
147 wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
WhiteheadMonckton<strong>WT179</strong>.indd 1 02/12/2016 16:57
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