when mediation ends

At the end of the mediation process the parties will be given a Summary, setting out their proposals and [if appropriate] a copy of their financial disclosure.

This will effectively be their instructions to their solicitors to put the proposals into a legal and binding format - sometimes a Court Order, a separation agreement, or simply carrying out the legal side of their proposals such as a sale of the house and distribution of assets.

The mediator will go through the options with each couple, explaining what needs to happen next, and helping make sure that their wishes are put into the appropriate action.

Sometimes, for various reasons mediation breaks down. When this happens the parties solicitors are informed and if either party is in receipt of public funding their solicitors are given certificates to enable them to apply for further funding with their respective solicitors.

Couples are always given the option to return to mediation at any time in the future should it seem appropriate. Of the mediations that do break down, many return to mediation and mediate successfully further into the process.