What is legally assisted Legally Assisted Mediation?

Legally Assisted Mediation is much like party to party mediation, except the parties have the benefit of their lawyers attending the mediation with them.

What types of things can be discussed at Legally Assisted Mediation?

What types of things do people discuss at legally assisted mediation?

Legally assisted mediation can be used for both parenting and property matters.

Legally assisted mediation can be particularly beneficial when either there is a history of family violence that makes party to party mediation not suitable or where there are complex legal issues that require the assistance of legal advice in the mediation session.

How much does it cost per party?

Legally Assisted Mediation is fixed price just like all our mediation services at Olive. Our pricing can be found on our booking page here.

How do you go about booking a legally assisted mediation?

If you wish to book a legally assisted mediation, you or your lawyer can book a confidential intake online.

If you or your lawyers have questions prior to booking an intake, we offer a free 15 minute chat and will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Why is the intake mandatory for clients?

At Olive Mediation, we consider the client intake to be crucial to the success of the mediation. This intake allows clients an opportunity to tell the mediator their story and what has been happening for them. It also ensures that the mediator can assess whether FDR is suitable for the parties.

Do I have to pay for my lawyer to attend the intake as well?

Everyone is different. Some people financially or for other reasons like to undertake their intake without their lawyers. Other people find comfort in having their lawyer attend with them.

What is important to note is that all questions initially will be directed to the separating party (as opposed to the lawyer) to make sure that you understand the process and have a chance to tell your story. At the end of the intake, we always set time aside for your lawyer to provide any additional information that they think is also helpful for the mediator to know.

Intake is completely confidential and nothing said to the mediator by you or your lawyer will be disclosed to the other party unless you give express permission. So it is a wonderful confidential space in which you can feel free to share your concerns.

Who pays for mediation?

At Olive each party pays 50% of the costs. If the parties wish to reach a different agreement it will be up to the parties or their lawyers to advise us of that arrangement so that invoices can be issued differently to the standard process.