How Ian and Sally used family mediation to avoid the Courts

Ian (32) was married to Sally (28) and they had two children Gemma (3) and David (8 Months). The couple have been married four years and separated when Ian left to live with his girlfriend and her one year old child.  Sally was extremely upset by the failure of the marriage and as she saw it as a direct result of Ian’s adultery.

There had been contact between Ian and the children, but Sally had refused to allow the children to come into contact with Ian’s girlfriend.

Ian had no family locally and therefore no plans to take the children other than staying in the former matrimonial home or using local cafes and occasionally the swimming pool (although this was difficult with two children). Ian had already instructed solicitors who were threatening court proceedings. Sally took legal advice and mediation was suggested. Using the mediation express service an appointment for explanation of mediation was made almost immediately and thereafter a first session of mediation arranged within seven days.

Both Ian and Sally aided by the mediator explored a variety of options
to enable a regular contact pattern to be formulated and trialed.

At the second session some six weeks later both Ian and Sally where able to discuss the successful parts of the contact arrangements and try and get to grips with the remaining and difficult issues. A planned introduction of Ian’s girlfriend to the children was managed. By the third session of mediation a measure of certainty in relation to the contact arrangements had been achieved.

Both Ian and Sally were able to confirm to their individual solicitors that court proceedings were unnecessary and that they were able in the main to now sort out any contact issues between themselves having learnt strategies and methods of coping and negotiating whilst in mediation.

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Another example of mediation in action

John and Fiona, separated after a 5 year relationship. They were not married and had one child Amy who was 2. The real issue was that Fiona had formed what she saw as a permanent relationship with a new partner who was Australian and wished to locate to Australia taking Amy with her. To read their story visit: http://www.leonardgraymediation.co.uk/relationship-breakup/case-studies/