Mediation

[iamthrough]

Hello. Hope someone has been through this and can tell me what to expect. If my STBxH go to mediation what exactly happens. We have only just separated. Can they advise/suggest ways forward for us - or are they more there for us to sort things out and they are just there to stop any arguments? (which I'm sure will happen outside of the sessions anyway!)
Can the mediator offer any legal advice - or at least tell each of us our rights?
I've been told mediation is compulsory now - but if I also need to go to a solicitor for legal matters it seems I'll be paying out twice and potentially still end up in arguments??

Can anyone tell me the basics of what mediation can offer.
We will have childcare, property, savings and pensions all to discuss and make decisions about.

They aren't allowed to offer legal advice or advise in any way really. They are just there to help you work through things. I recommend being clear before going into the process exactly what you want and where you are willing to compromise.

Mediation should take place "in the shadow of the law". You should get legal advice before you start mediation, so you know what proposals you want to put forward and what a reasonable deal might look like. The mediator cannot give legal advice, though my experience (of DP's divorce) is that they might discreetly try to give both parties a steer about what a court might award, if one or both parties are adopting a very unrealistic stance that is obstructing negotiations.