Family Mediation

Mediation is a method for resolving disputes which is wholly endorsed by the family justice system and family law practitioners.

‍What is mediation?

Family mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (see Other Alternative Dispute Resolution). It is a voluntary process designed to resolve disputes between separating couples and other parties away from the family court. Parties meet with a mediator, who is a neutral person, to discuss the issues and their respective aims and attempt to find a resolution.

Many separating couples can work together and reach an agreement regarding the future of their children and their finances without adversarial proceedings. Family mediation affords couples a safe space and constructive forum to work together, resolve issues and reach an agreement for the benefit of all concerned.

Family mediation encourages clear and respectful dialogue and allows clients to be creative and forward-thinking about the future of their family, where practicable. The mediation process does not involve the court, but the mediator will always use the law as the yardstick to measure what is achievable within the mediation process.

‍Benefits of family mediation

There can be many advantages to engaging in mediation before embarking on any family court process. Mediation enables parties to maintain control of their lives and the process. It can diminish anguish and acrimony and be conducted swiftly and cost-effectively. The mediation process is also confidential; this makes it an ideal forum for

‍

those seeking privacy and discretion in any family law dispute.

‍Why choose Sheridans for mediation?

Priya Palanivel is a family law specialist and qualified mediator. She encourages and assists clients to discuss matters and navigate their family’s
journey together.

Priya’s mediation practice covers matrimonial and non-matrimonial financial matters and arrangements for children. She has experience mediating in both domestic and international cross-border disputes. She has also undertaken mediation for clients involved in court proceedings and has engaged in
mediation alongside the litigation at the behest of the court.

As an experienced family lawyer and mediator, Priya is committed to facilitating the mediation process to ensure it works for all clients and their families. She will ensure that the mediating clients who go through the process feel in control and empowered to make joint decisions for the benefit of their family, irrespective of the situation and how difficult this might be. Priya will handle the issues at hand with sensitivity, compassion and neutrality in order for the mediation to be conducted in a safe space encouraging positive dialogue, keeping the process open, transparent and child-focussed where necessary. Priya can conduct the sessions face to face, shuttle or remote.

Please click here for examples of mediation conducted by Priya.

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Divorce, Dissolution, Separation and Nullity

Matrimonial Finances

Cohabitation

Agreements

International Family Law

Enforcement of court orders

Child arrangements

Financial provision for children

Adoption

Surrogacy and parental orders

Protective Measures and Injunctions

Other alternative dispute resolution

Divorce, Dissolution, Separation and Nullity

A relationship breakdown that ends in divorce or dissolution can be a challenging and emotional subject to discuss, whether for personal, religious or cultural reasons.

Matrimonial Finances

One of the more complex areas of family law is financial provision following divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership.

Cohabitation

Common law marriage is a myth in England and Wales. As a result of this common misconception, cohabitees can find themselves in financial difficulty if their relationship breaks down.

Agreements

Our expert family team deals with the full range of agreements, including pre and post-nuptial agreements, pre and post-civil partnership agreements, living together, separation and settlement agreements.

International Family Law

Many of our cases cross jurisdictions and involve conflicts of law and cross-border disputes. We regularly advise clients on international issues arising in cases involving finances, agreements and arrangements for children and seek advice from our international network of family lawyers on the application of foreign law.

Enforcement of court orders

Our highly skilled family team assists clients by taking action to enforce court orders in circumstances where there has been a breach.

Child arrangements

We assist our clients in all aspects of private children law, and guide them through, what can often be a very emotional and challenging time.

Financial provision for children

Our specialist family team advises on the full range of financial provision which can be made for the benefit of children of married and unmarried couples, pursuant to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 (known as Schedule 1).

Adoption

Our specialist family team has a wealth of experience, and supports clients through private adoption with care and compassion.

Surrogacy and parental orders

Surrogacy is one of a range of assisted conception options for people who are unable to conceive or carry a child themselves.

Protective Measures and Injunctions

Abuse and violence within any family is a matter that our expert team handles with utmost care and sensitivity.

Other alternative dispute resolution

Litigating in the family court should be a last resort, but there are cases in which an application is necessary, and court proceedings cannot be avoided. The members of our expert team are highly experienced strategists and litigators, should any family matter reach this point.

Meet the team

Sheridans has a specialist family team which provides advice in all aspects of family law, within a leading media, entertainment and technology law firm. We understand our clients’ needs for discretion, personal and bespoke advice in order to manage highly sensitive family cases.

Meet the team

Our TESTIMONIALS

‘I found the quality of service outstanding. All of the individuals I encountered were extremely impressive – very on the ball legally and extremely responsive.’

‘Sheridans provides brilliant and balanced advice. It handles its cases with an effortless efficiency and there is an air of reassuring quality when dealing with the firm.’

‘Sheridans has a wealth of experience in all aspects of private family law. It routinely acts for high-net-worth and high-profile individuals such as actors, sports stars and elite athletes, and there is often a significant international dimension to its work.’

‘Nothing is too much hassle, and everything is done promptly. Experienced, thoughtful and professional.’

‘The children/private law practice is first class – they show a real commitment to their clients and are able, with considerable expertise and an excellent knowledge base, to offer the type of service clients need. They offer realistic advice and then drive and persevere to pursue their case.’

‘The team provides a very personal and joined up experience across their different practice areas.’

‘Professional and knowledgeable. Very helpful and concentrates on what is absolutely needed.’

‘The team is well-placed to advise those who are susceptible to press exposure.’

‘The group’s particular expertise lies in advising wealthy individuals on issues such as matrimonial finance and private law children matters frequently with an international dimension.’

About SHERIDANS

Sheridans is a leading media and technology law firm whose lawyers combine in-depth legal and commercial knowledge with breadth of expertise and experience to give unparalleled advice to their clients.

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