So you have decided following the breakdown of your relationship to try to resolve the issues arising between you and your ex in mediation, and found a mediator who is willing and able to help you. So far so good. Mediation can be an excellent way to reach agreement on the important decisions that will need to be made for your family by you and your ex amicably and cost effectively. But do you need a solicitor too?

We would say so, yes. Instructing a solicitor to advise you alongside the mediation process can help you navigate the process more effectively. While mediation is designed to be a collaborative and less adversarial approach to resolving the issues which almost inevitably arise following relationship breakdown, having legal representation can still be valuable for the following reasons:

Legal Knowledge and Expertise: the law surrounding relationship breakdown can be complicated. An experienced family solicitor will have a deep understanding of family law and can support you during the mediation process, making sure you understand that you know your rights, what to expect, and helping you to make informed decisions.

Objective and Rational Advice: the turmoil caused by relationship breakdown can be challenging, and it is not unusual for impulsive or irrational decisions to be made as a result. Working with a solicitor can help minimize the chance of that happening in mediation. A solicitor will provide objective advice based on legal expertise and experience, supporting you to make decisions that are in the best interests of both you and your family in the long run, even when emotions are running high.

Negotiation Strategy: Mediation involves a third party mediator facilitating discussions between you and your ex in a way that supports you both towards making joint decisions about your future. Inevitably, negotiations will be necessary. A skilled solicitor can help you develop a negotiation strategy, and increase the chances of ensuring your interests are protected and that you achieve a fair outcome.

Support within the process: While mediation is generally a more cooperative process, than for example court proceedings, conflicts can still inevitably arise. The starting point will be that solicitors are not present in the mediation sessions themselves, but that does not always have to be the case. If it is thought that solicitors being present could help rather than hinder the mediation process, and everyone agrees, solicitors can also be present during the mediation sessions to advise and support you.

Document Preparation: It is likely that at the conclusion of the mediation, legal documentation to reflect the agreement reached will be recommended. A solicitor can ensure that these documents accurately reflect the agreements reached and comply with any relevant legal requirements. If your solicitor is already familiar with the circumstances of your case, the process of drawing up the documents is likely to be easier, not least because they will have pointed out any issues with the proposed settlement before agreement is reached.

Peace of Mind: Relationship breakdown can be extremely stressful. Having a solicitor by your side can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have a professional guiding you through the legal aspects of the process.

Not many relish the prospect of contacting a solicitor, let alone a family solicitor, and here at Franklins we are realistic about that. We try to make the process of instructing us as easy and pain free as possible. We offer an initial appointment for a cost of £195, during which we try to give you an understanding of your legal position and what the future might hold.

If you feel Franklins might be the right firm to help you following the breakdown of your relationship, and you would like to enquire about when your initial appointment could be scheduled, please contact our Family Law team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email info@franklins-sols.co.uk

Holly Threlfall joined Franklins in 2013 and has since worked her way up to becoming a Corporate Partner in our Business Services Department. Here she explains what the work involves and what she enjoys about her role.                                                                   

Being a Partner in a law firm has its ups and downs like any other job. It can involve long hours, tight deadlines and stressful situations. However, it can also involve great clients, exciting deals and an extremely variable ‘day at the office’.

No two days are ever the same. I have been at Franklins for nearly 9 years and I can comfortably say that every day brings something new. My clients come from different backgrounds, from retail through to construction, manufacturing, professional services and even aerospace. This certainly keeps me on my toes, as every piece of work needs to be tailored to each of my clients and their industry needs. The nature of work that I undertake also varies from day to day. One day, I may be focused on drafting a Share Purchase Agreement which can involve several hours of technical drafting, the next I may be reviewing due diligence documents to advise on the risks of acquiring a business and then I may be into a completion meeting or conference with clients to talk through their business needs before working into the evening to finalise points discussed throughout the day. These long, and sometimes intense, hours however are all worth it for a happy client and can be alleviated by working with a great team.

One of the best parts of my job is the people that I work with. We have a team of Partners here at Franklins each with their own expertise to support our clients with their various needs. Then there are the other solicitors, trainees and support staff, all of whom play an essential role to look after our clients. I wouldn’t be able to do my job if I didn’t have the support of my assistants, the reception and compliance team, accounts team, marketing and other members of the firm all of whom work together to deliver our services. That is not to say that we are always perfect (although we do try!). We will always do our best to look after our clients and keep the firm moving forwards.

Of course, as a Partner one of the key parts of my role is supporting my team and training the next generation of lawyers. I work closely with newly qualified solicitors, trainees and paralegals to pass on the knowledge I have gained from my own experiences. From technical understanding and advice, through to transaction and case management and essential skills such as communication skills, much of my days can be spent working with the junior team to help them grow and develop into the next generation of solicitors.

But it’s not just the team at Franklins that I work closely with. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working not only with some great clients, but also other professional advisors who are essential in ensuring our clients’ interests are best served. It’s not unusual to have several calls a day with the same clients and advisors over several weeks as a deal intensifies. You get to know everyone personally and these relationships only grow over time which makes it even more rewarding when a deal completes. There is no better feeling than a grateful client, happy with the outcome of their transaction and ready to move onto the next chapter of their journey, be that growing their business or retiring to enjoy the fruits of their labour!

Despite the many roles I fill, busy days and sometimes long hours required, life as a Partner does not mean that my work is my life! I have a great work-life balance, which is supported and made possible by my team and other partners. I can squeeze a run or swim in before work, play badminton on a regular basis and bake celebration cakes for my friends and family (or just because I want to!) when the need arises. Baking is a particular passion of mine and I do love to challenge myself to come up with new and creative cake flavours and designs – something which often surprises many people when they discover that I am a corporate lawyer!

Whilst corporate law can have a reputation of being ‘dry’, my experience as a solicitor and Partner at Franklins is anything but. My day is filled with a variety of challenges; my life enhanced by the variety of relationships and friendships that I have formed throughout my career.

To contact Holly or a member of the Business Services team, please call 01604 828282 or 01908 660966 or email info@franklins-sols.co.uk.

The Commercial Services Team here at Franklins have been working closely with our clients to help alleviate business pressure during the Coronavirus pandemic.

These unprecedented times have, undoubtedly, placed undue constraints on business relationships and the Commercial Services Team are here to help those seeking to manage their contractual liabilities and obligations at this difficult time.

Christopher Buck, Associate Partner in the Commercial Services Department here at Franklins has been providing effective and diligent legal advice to both businesses and consumers alike during the Coronavirus outbreak. Just some of the legal support he has provided to date includes advising wedding venues and caravan parks as to their contractual position with the aim to provide them with the advice they need in order to make informed decisions about how to continue to maintain and, if required, how they may terminate, any existing contractual relationships

Our Commercial Services Team can also provide advice and support in the following areas:

In light of these ever-changing circumstances, it is crucial to act now rather than later! If you require any legal advice on commercial contracts or insolvency issues, please do not hesitate to contact Christopher Buck on 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 or via email at Christopher.Buck@franklins-sols.co.uk.