Taking time out – notice of maternity leave

Thank you for visiting my website.  If you are checking out this blog, it is likely you have contacted me either as a new client wishing to mediate with me, a professional wishing to explore referring a client to me, a mediator seeking a professional practice consultant or you may be an existing client of mine who would like to return or has a question.  Firstly, thanks for getting in touch with me.  My business and clients are hugely important to me and I value each and every client who chooses to work with me.  However, for now I am taking a period of maternity leave and break from my professional work.

I have written this blog so that hopefully if you are reaching out to me, I can help you, through this blog to find help without me for the time being.  I will not be keeping a check on my work mobile phone, this website or work e-mails at any time during my maternity leave so please understand that I will not be reviewing or responding to any messages left during this time.   I would therefore ask that you do not leave phone messages or e-mails as they will not be monitored or responded to. Messages will be automatically deleted.

If you are a new client seeking a mediator, thank you for taking the first step.  I recognise how important it is for you to get this right for you and for your family.  Rest assured, there are plenty of other great mediators out there who will be there for you.

I recommend searching for an alternative mediator at Find your local mediator – Family Mediation Council  If you would like a mediator working online, there is a specific search for that.  You can also see mediators who are accredited, trained to offer child inclusive mediation and those who offer the mediation voucher scheme and/or legal aid for family mediation.

It is a given that mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council have the right professional credentials.  I recommend that you review your chosen mediator’s profile/ website and have a chat to that mediator.  To me, it is vitally important you are comfortable with the professional you chose to work with so having an initial phone conversation will ensure you are and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions and to understand the initial next steps ahead.  Does the language they use/ approach they have speak to you personally?

If you are one of my previous clients, it may be that you are getting in touch with me to return for further mediation.  I am sorry in this instance I will not be available.  You will need to contact an alternative mediator.  As you know, I do not keep your personal information and I do not produce file notes of any mediation sessions so you will not be prejudiced seeing another mediator.

We are all experienced enough to be able to pick up mediations at any stage and to get a handle on any relevant background before beginning.  You are the best person to set out that background. If you asked me to prepare an Open Statement of Financial Information or a Memorandum of Understanding you will both have that document and can share those documents with any new mediator you select (if they feel that they need this from you to be able to help).   They will guide you.

If you have mediated with me more than 4 months ago, a fresh assessment would need to be made to check that further mediation is suitable.  That will give you the opportunity to check in with a new mediator, set out the background and for that mediator to guide you as to the best way forward.  Be comfortable with any chosen mediator and do not hesitate to ask for an initial chat over the phone first before you decide to progress.  We all work differently and have a variety of approaches so never be afraid to ask that mediator how they work and to set out what you seek in a mediator or what has worked for you previously in the mediation process.

If you are returning to me because you have a question, please understand that I would not respond to any queries or questions about past mediations once I have concluded my work with you.  I would normally just offer you both an opportunity to meet with me again to discuss any questions.  Another mediator will be able to help with any general queries.

If you have previously attended a MIAM with me and you are seeking a MIAM certificate, I have ensured that all clients eligible for a MIAM certificate from me have been provided with the relevant form prior to my leave.  If it has been more than 4 months since your initial MIAM or mediation with me, I would not be able to provide this to you as this is outside of the statutory timescale.  In those circumstances, you would need to arrange another MIAM and this can be carried out by another mediator.  Please make sure you contact a mediator who is accredited or if they are not yet accredited, have the support of their professional practice consultant who can sign this on the mediator’s behalf.

If you are not sure if mediation is right for you or where to turn, you may wish to speak to a specialist family solicitor who can help you to explore your options.  If you feel you might benefit from some emotional support, a counsellor, family consultant or divorce coach may be able to help you.

If, at this stage, you are unsure of where to start but would like help avoiding a court process, I would also recommend you take a look at ‘(Almost) Anything But Family Court’.  This book offers parents a detailed roadmap towards a positive goal.  It outlines the people and processes separating parents need to know about if they are to avoid the family court.  It has been written to increase confidence, reduce stress, avoiding wasting time and money.  It is a vital read for those experiencing a break up. If you would like to order the book, when you order, you will receive two copies, one for you to send to your ex partner (if you are able to).  The book is available to order here (Almost) Anything But Family Court – OnlyMums or (Almost) Anything But Family Court – OnlyDads

Last but certainly not least, if you are a mediator getting in touch with me for professional practice supervision, I am sorry that I will not be able to help you.  If you have recently trained, your training provider will have given you a list of alternative Professional Practice Consultants.  I wish you well in your journey to practice.

For now, I am sorry that I cannot assist but hope this helps you in finding another professional who will be able to. I look forward to returning after my maternity leave and send my very best wishes to you.

 

Clare

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