It’s a sad fact that almost half of marriages end in separation. The good news is that while divorce is a part of life in this day and age, mediation services are too – as couples are now required by law to show they’ve tried to work through their issues in mediation before taking legal action.

Essentially, mediation is the best way to keep a divorce out of the courtroom and ensure that everyone can say their piece – and Ark Mediation, based in Great Missenden, plays a crucial part in these all-important conversations. Ark Mediation will act as an impartial go-between to help couples see eye to eye in difficult circs. While taking legal action can force decisions upon the parties in dispute, mediators help them find a common solution together. After all, these aren’t discussions to be rushed.

The services offered begin with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (commonly called a MIAM), which is the first stage in any divorce settlement. As a first step, the mediators help you work out whether your dispute can be settled without a court hearing. If mediation won’t cut it, Ark’s team will make sure you have the documents you’ll need to show in court to demonstrate you’ve tried to settle things between yourselves. They also offer a fast-track MIAM service with a 24-hour turnaround.

If you go down the mediation route, there’s a variety of different options to make the process work for you. These include family and child mediation, which allow everyone involved to have their concerns heard; co-mediation, where multiple mediators work with the parties; and shuttle mediation, where mediators speak to each party individually and facilitate a settlement without contact between those involved.

It’s never a happy time when a relationship ends, but it needn’t get messy. Ark Mediation can help you minimise the fallout and ensure the best outcome for everyone.