Financial mediation in divorce
Divorce financial settlement mediation One of the main areas discussed during mediation is how finances are to be divided between separating couples. It is very common for divorcing couples to use mediation before they receive their decree absolute, so that a financial agreement can be reached prior to the divorce being finalised. It is likely […]
Separation Agreement
What are separation agreements in UK? Separation agreements, also known as a deed of separation, are useful for couples who are separating and would like to agree on how property and finances will be shared once their relationship has ended. They are often used where separating couples have not decided to petition for divorce/dissolve a […]
Guest Blog: Child Contact Centres by The Starting Point
Family breakdowns are never easy. Even the most amicable of separations will hit a bump in the road somewhere along the line, particularly when it comes to the arrangements for the children. There’s always something to be discussed and an arrangement to be negotiated. What happens when agreements can’t be reached? Or when the court […]
What happens if i refuse mediation?
What happens if I don’t want to go to mediation? At Direct Mediation Services (DMS) we are commonly asked by clients, who have been invited to attend mediation, two questions. The first is what happens if they decline an invitation to attend, and the second is, does it look bad in prospective court proceedings if […]
Who Are CAFCASS? Everything You Need to Know About CAFCASS
Who are CAFCASS? CAFCASS are the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. This blog post will answer some of the frequently asked questions we get from our clients in relation to CAFCASS. Many of our clients are coming for mediation due to child arrangements issues and often in these cases CAFCASS can have […]
Separation Mediation Process
How can mediation help with our separation? Mediation helps two (or more) people come to an agreement on something they are having difficulty sorting out themselves. The mediator is completely impartial and is not on anybody’s side. Their job is to facilitate discussions, stick to an agenda, and keep conversations as calm and constructive as […]
The Essential Guide to Understanding The Family Court in 2023
What is The Family Court? The main work of the Family Court in England & Wales is to make decisions about arrangements for children and finances – often after a divorce. Since 2014, the Family Court is part of local magistrates’ courts or county courts. Going to court to resolve matters concerning finances or arrangements […]
Guest blog: Grandparents 4 Contact
A few words from Hilary Sharpe, Grandparents 4 Contact. I know we are only in March of a new year, but somehow it feels like a continuation of the last one. Despite the constant media hype and the Covid-19 vaccine, it still ‘feels as if’ things are the same. Well, I guess in some areas […]
Declaration of Parentage
What is a Declaration of Parentage? This guide explains what a declaration of parentage is, what you can do to resolve disputes about whether a man is the child’s father, and how to apply to the court for a Declaration of Parentage in accordance to the family law act, which definitively states who are a […]
Financial Consent Order (Form A)
Do I need a financial consent order? Financial consent orders are legal orders. They are made by the courts and make the agreement you have already made on financial matters legally binding for both of you. For example, you and your ex-partner may have come to agreements as to how to progress with finances/assets post-separation […]