Most of us have experienced a failed relationship and know how easy it can be to slip into emotional turmoil.
As if the stress of separating isn’t enough, you also have to decide how you’re going to manage joint assets and before you know it, you’re caught up in a legal battle, trying to decide who gets the family home and who keeps the credit card debt.
This was the case for Brisbane couple *Jane and Henry who also had two children, two cars and a superannuation fund each – making matters all the more complicated.
A Case Study For Family Mediation
“After we separated, I spent $5000 to speak with a lawyer and Harry spent $3000 over six months, with an agreement yet to be reached,” said Jane.
“Conscious of money and the time it would take us to get our lives back on track, we decided to try family mediation.
“Within four hours we were able to resolve our disputes. We agreed that I would keep the house and Henry agreed to give me 12 months to refinance, given that I had recently started a new job. We decided that I am to pay Henry $150,000 once the house is refinanced.
“It was arranged that we would each keep our own car and superannuation and Henry retained the credit card debt. The costs of the children were to be shared equally.
“The agreement was drafted in one day and it cost $1500 plus GST each for mediation as well as $1500 plus GST each to draft the documents necessary to formalise the agreement.
“The total cost to attend family mediation and arrange an agreement was just over $3000 each. This is compared to $8,000 in legal fees that we had already spent with no result. The time taken to complete this arrangement was one day – compared to six months spent with lawyers and no resolution.”
Family Mediation Saves Time And Money
Leading Gold Coast family lawyer Marie Fedorov says mediation really does save time and money. (See also our article Family Mediation Gold Coast.)
“At mediation, the aim is to come to an agreement about your finances, parenting and property matters as quickly as possible,” said Ms Fedorov, who has 13 years of experience working in family law.
“With around 50,000 Australian couples going through separations each year, it’s paramount that people are aware of the different options that are available to them.
“Too many people find themselves set back by thousands of dollars with nothing to show for it, simply because they were unaware of the other options out there.
“I see mediation sessions helping couples just like Jane and Henry every week and it really does save time and money.
“At the end of the day, it is important that you and your ex can move on with your lives without anything holding you back.”
