Bob and Carol

Bob and Carol had separated shortly before coming to mediation.  Carol had remained in their family home with their three children.  Bob was living in bedsit accommodation.  In the year prior to their separation they had incurred a number of debts and this had partly led to a breakdown in their relationship.  Both were now worried about their financial future and concerned about how they could maintain the mortgage on their home.  Although Bob and Carol had agreed to these arrangements prior to mediation, Bob was finding it difficult to see the children back at his bedsit.  Bob was anxious to move into better accommodation. 

In mediation we were able to examine in detail their financial circumstances, and discuss the steps which they could take to reduce their expenditure and manage their debts.  It was important for the couple to work together, and as a result they were able to make enquiries about alternative ways of reducing their mortgage repayments and debts.  They were both able to manage their short term difficulties, and also plan for the future without affecting their relationship with the children.  They made arrangements which would enable Carol to remain in their family home with their children until they had left school.  Those arrangements were later incorporated into a Court Order made in their subsequent Divorce proceedings.  Bob has since moved into a flat of his own where he is happily able to look after his children.