My partners solicitor sent out a request to the mediation services for a first mediation session.

He has now received a letter back from mediation basically telling him that she has refused to go to mediation.

I don't understand why she has refused, surely this would be frowned upon by the courts?

What reasons can she give to get out of going to mediation?

any help would be greatly appreciated, my partner is getting worried that she has something up her sleve!!

Holly

Well, she doesn't have to go to mediation - its not compulsory, although its a pity if she doesn't. I think if she has refused you have no choice to to begin the court process for AR in the hope that by starting, and showing you mean business, she'll realise its in her benefit to co-operate and negotiate a fair settlement.

Good luck

Mediation is not cheap and I found it a complete waste of time (and money). Well not a waste for the mediator I suppose.

Our mediator explained that it is cheaper to thrash out your differences at mediation than to do it in court.

We knew what we wanted, and to be honest I was making it as easy as possible, so we only needed one session, which cost 170 pounds. I know that is unusual. Court time and all the solicitors and lawyers are VERY expensive, but when it comes down to it, mediators help you to decide what you want. If you can't agree, then a court will decide for you, and you may not like what they decide.

To the original poster... maybe she thinks she will get her own way if it goes to court.

My mediator is only charging £50 a session - is this usual?

Blueintears wrote:
My mediator is only charging £50 a session - is this usual?

It's usually £75.00 each. (Around £150 a session) allow for six. (ish!)

Ultimately - it's a waste of money if your ex is refusing to comply, so you'll end up with a double-whammy: wasting money at Mediation, then find yourself in Court anyway.

Sometimes it is means tested. I assume you're on a lower income?

At this stage-of-the-game; ex's aren't aware of just how expensive the Court route is. Legal Aid will be re-paid if you end up in a Full Hearing.

My mediator is only charging £50 a session - is this usual?

Just checked that it is only for the first session...it is now going to be £60 each. First one week after next....aaaargh