Now that Christmas is approaching, with the added uncertainties of whether lockdown rules are in place at the time, it could easily become a stressful and difficult time of year. It is likely now to be too late for the court to resolve any new applications before the festive season.
Fortunately, there is a growing choice of options when looking at resolving matters without court intervention, which has actually been increased in reaction to the various lockdown restrictions.
There may not be as many as for each day of advent, but the following options may be worth considering:
- Collaborative law – meetings with both lawyers and both clients committing to resolve without court. This has adapted during lockdown to have four-way digital meetings and can be set up very quickly
- Mediation – a mediator will meet with both clients. Again, this is able to take place virtually and can start very quickly
- Hybrid mediation – mediation where one client is in the room with a mediator, the other can join virtually
- Lawyer-inclusive mediation – mediation with both clients and both lawyers present to enable clients to receive advice during mediation
- Child-inclusive mediation – the mediator will meet with the child to give the child a voice in the mediation process
- Financial arbitration – a decision on financial cases by an arbitrator (a private judge) where the arbitrator, date and place of hearing can be chosen by the clients
- Child arbitration – a quick decision made by an arbitrator on a child-related issue which can include travel and relocation abroad
- Round take negotiation – negotiation between lawyers with clients present, this can take place virtually.
At Nockolds, we have several solicitors experienced in collaborative law, negotiation and helping clients through arbitration and mediation.
Zen Thompson, Senior Associate in our Family Law Team, is also an experienced mediator and arbitrator who is specially qualified to meet with children in mediation.
For more information and to find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.