First mediation session on friday. What can I expect?

[bubblybottom]

Thats it really!
Was just wondering what to expect at mediation.
The issue is around the children, weekend contact(for me) and poor communication between me and ex partner.
Many thanks in advance.

I went to mediation over a year ago, attended 3 sessions. The mediator was lovely, very kind to both of us, we went through all the finances what we both earnt and what we paid out.

Unfortunately when the mediator made it clear there would be a fair outcome, my ex refused to attend another meeting where we would actually discuss who would carry on paying the mortgage in future, although his solicitor wrote to me and said it was me refusing to go.

We then had six months of legal letters between solicitors, until he realised he'd still have to pay maintenance, now in the family court in January.

Hoping mediation works for you, and sure its best for the children when parents can communicate. Wishing you luck.

Didn't work fore either, sorry. Both had high hopes. He wouldn't be flexible with his childcare. I worked Saturdays. He wanted Saturdays for time with new fiancé. Wasted hundreds of pounds. In the end my boss changed my working days. Think the only thing we agreed on was how useless mediation was!

BUT other people I know have got something out of it so maybe I was just v unlucky ex is a git

Our first session was an introductory one where they explained about how mediation works and then had a separate discussion with each of us to get our side of things, about half an hour iirc, followed by another half hour or so with both of us together. The mediator was very pleasant and professional. We only did the one session as I wasn't prepared to keep going unless XH paid half the cost, which he wouldn't.

our mediators were very good in getting XH to talk to me to let me know what he wanted regarding contact. However, since mediation, he has since gone back on everything that he agreed.

sorry, posted too soon! Mediation is very good at helping you to see the others point of view (or not!). My mediators got XH to understand why a commitment to set times and days was necessary for my work, while he was claiming that because of his work he couldn't do that.

Anything that you want to be kept to, you need to get put into the Consent Order, so that you can do something about it if he doesn't keep his word.