The chances are that you may need some legal advice and other professional support at various points during the mediation process, to give you the necessary information, understanding and confidence to reach your own decisions in mediation.
This is why in this Divorce Manual we refer to the mediation process as ‘Supported mediation‘ involving the process of ‘Mediation Teaming’
Mediators will do their best to ensure that any legal advice and support you both receive is productive and constructive so that it does not result in undermining what you are trying to achieve in mediation.
Indeed, this is such an important aspect of successful mediation that a chapter is dedicated to it called-Solicitor supported mediation
In privately funded cases, if it becomes necessary to use other professionals such as the Financial adviser/planner or Actuary to help with the pensions, the mediator has the option of helping you to work with these professionals to ensure that they work with you in a very focussed, carefully managed, transparent and cost-effective way.
The same applies if the services of an Accountant or Property Valuer becomes necessary.
Have a look at the chapters about Pensions in divorce and Divorce and business valuations.
The same is true if the mediator identifies that you might benefit from working with a Divorce Coach on additional emotional and communication support or if, for example, your Parenting work involves giving your children a voice in mediation in which case a Direct Child Consultant expert might be required.
As we say, the mediator will ensure that you and your former partner get whatever support you each need, at the right time, at the right cost and in a way that supports you and the mediation process.