Client Case Studies

“ There is no case, however conflicted, which is not potentially open to successful mediation.” Lord Justice Thorpe

Voluntary All-Issues Mediation bringing lengthy proceedings to an end

Sam and Jane had separated when Anita was 4 months old; Sam had not seen his daughter since then. By the time she was 2, there were contested Court proceedings in respect of both contact and financial provision. Contact was awaiting completion of a psychological report on Sam; their Barristers suggested that the issue of finance alone be referred to mediation to reduce costs, costs on each side already being £7,000.00. Over six mediation sessions, an agreement was reached over finance and sufficient trust was gained for there to be both discussion and conclusion in respect of contact arrangements, all proceedings being withdrawn.

Jane commented;

“This time a year ago I would never have dared hope that I would be where I am now. The consequences of the on-going legalities had it not taken the route of mediation, don’t bear thinking about …. Best of all, Anita is a happy, well-balanced child, with at least some form of contact with her father – something I am sure would not have evolved had we not had you both to guide us through a legal and personal nightmare...”

All Issues mediation in the shadow of proceedings and domestic violence

Julie and Steve attended assessment meetings and agreed to mediate about contact and finance issues. At the first mediation meeting it became apparent there had been intervening violence, an injunction was now in force, and a CAFCASS report ordered in respect of contact. Nevertheless, they had attended mediation to try to make progress, Julie in good faith, Steve (who had enduring mental health issues) without any degree of trust.

Over a series of meetings communication and a revision of the terms of the injunction were addressed, contact was developed, and short and long term financial settlement achieved; the Court being informed of developments throughout and the request for the involvement of CAFCASS being rescinded.

Grandparents’ contact within proceedings

CAFCASS were already preparing reports when mediators were asked by solicitors to undertake mediation. The case involved maternal grandparents who were seeking contact their granddaughter aged 5. The child's mother had died after giving birth in very tragic circumstances. The family was at war and the father was preventing contact. Contact was recommenced following mediation sessions with father and grandfather.

Direct involvement of child

An application to court had been made for contact between a 13 year old boy and his mother. Mother had left the family home and since then, the child had refused to have anything to do with her. The Judge had given the parties the option of trying mediation as an alternative to litigation. Various meetings were arranged which included a three way meeting with the child, his mother and father, resulting in an agreement for contact to be resumed.