Mediation Woes

Jubilee77

I have been divorced for 2 years now and currently live in the marital home paying the mortgage etc. The solicitor’s letters are now being exchanged with a view to resolving the mortgage and equity issues. The ex wife would like to be removed from the mortgage and would like a share of equity and now starts the story where she would like a lot more money than she should be entitled to. I received a letter asking me to attend an initial mediation session at a mediators one and a half hours from where I live - but very close to where the ex wife works. I was given 1 week to arrange the initial meeting otherwise the mediation company would inform my ex’s solicitors that I turned mediation down.

I did attend the meeting but found it very stressful. The mediators office is in a city I have never visited before in my life, I lost a day’s wages as I am self employed, the cost of the train ticket and length of journey to reach the office was more added expense and then when I got to the office I was asked to come back half an hour after my designated appointment time as the mediator was not available. Following this session I did not feel comfortable. I have been given 1 week to respond and accept the mediation terms and conditions and fee of £189 per hour. Again I feel very rushed.

Obviously I feel that mediation would be better than going straight to court orders etc but I would prefer a mediator closer to home or at least half way between my home and her home. Plus I would like a mediator who is flexible - perhaps is willing to speak on the telephone or who can arrange a late appointment so I possible do not have to lose a day’s wages.

Can I request this? Thank you for your help.

Takeaway_Addict

have you spoke to your solicitor about this?

Jubilee77

I will speak to my solicitor tomorrow....she did not work today..... I just wanted a heads up... Many thanks

fishybusiness

Hi,

My partner and her ex are going through mediation at the moment, and yes, stressful it is!

As regards location of the mediator, they agreed together where would be appropriate rather to meet, and then found a mediator in that locality. Does you ex live near the mediation centre?

Cost is currently about £125, that's including an VAT for up to 1 1/2 hours, and I thought that was expensive.

My partner's mediator does speak on the phone, but only to arrange meetings and other such business, she will not talk about the case at all.

Don't know if that helps at all, just another perspective

Dunroamin

How far from your home is the mediator's office?