mail
print“1 King’s Bench Walk provides first-class service in matrimonial and child law cases.”
Legal 500
"This large outfit is remarkable for its combination of substantial child and matrimonial finance expertise under one roof."
Chambers & Partners
 | Mediation at 1kbw |
1kbw has offered a dedicated mediation service since 1998. We have 12 fully trained and experienced mediators including the publicly acclaimed mediator Anthony Kirk QC who is also Chairman of the Family Law Bar Association.
At 1kbw we believe that a mediated outcome
- is generally of far greater value than a solution imposed by a judge following a contested hearing
- is much more likely to endure
- has the advantage that children can be told that their parents have decided what is to happen
We can accept referrals directly from clients as well as through their lawyers. Appointments can be made at short notice and arranged at any time of day to fit in with work, education or child care commitments.
Why Mediation
Litigation is a time-consuming, costly business and it is not always possible for the courts to arrange an early hearing date, given the demands on listing cases. Mediation is less expensive and is easily accessible. It is never too late to mediate, if the will to do so is there.
Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process whereby the parents meet with a mediator, or mediators, to set their own agenda and to explore solutions to the problems. The lawyers do not attend. The legal proceedings, if any, will be put “on hold” for the duration. Mediation provides a forum for an honest and open exchange of views in which, with some guidance from the mediator, the parents can begin to formulate joint proposals. Not every dispute can be resolved in one session and it is not uncommon for parents to return on two or more occasions. A session will rarely last longer than 2 hours.
If joint proposals can be reached, the mediator will prepare a “Mediation Summary” document and advise the parties on the wisdom of obtaining legal advice on their proposals if lawyers have not already been instructed. Once an agreement has been reached, it can easily be transformed into an order of the Court.
A mediator can help them produce a comprehensive “Parenting Plan” for the children, covering detailed issues such as future education, extra-curricular activities, attendance at school events and the involvement of wider members of the family in the children’s lives.
Mediation is not confined to issues concerning children. The division of assets on separation or divorce can also be resolved, provided that the parties can give to the mediator and to each other a true and full picture of their respective financial positions.
For our mediation brochure or further information, please contact our Chambers’ Director, Sue Gray, or the Clerk in charge of mediation, Tim Madden. They will be happy to help.
Download our Mediation Leaflet 
Barristers specialising in Mediation
