“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that created them” – Anonymous
Separating couples decide to use mediation for a number of very good reasons although upper most in many couple’s list of reasons is the need to save costs and retain a measure of control over the whole process.
The following chapter about maintenance agreements has been created with these reasons and needs very much in mind.
With this subject and chapter we suggest that you start by you reading every section to get a good overview before focusing on what needs to be done before you come into mediation to discuss and sort out the question of maintenance.
It will save you time and money in the long run.
Also, we recommend reading the guide-14 keys to reaching your own maintenance agreements at an early stage.
Each section deals with a different aspect of our 5-stage process involved in reaching your own maintenance agreement.
We estimate that it should take you in the region of about 1 hour to read this Chapter before deciding on the most relevant sections for you and your circumstances and which sections you need to concentrate on.
In mediation, we find that one of the main financial challenges most separating couples initially face is how to overcome the fact that their views, interests and needs often seem so different and ‘in competition’ with one another when it comes to sorting out ongoing financial support (maintenance).
For this reason, and if your communication and trust is not great, it is really important that you follow the 5 stage route map we set out in this Chapter, completing the schedules as we suggest and approach the task of considering all the information and exploring your options in the way we recommend.
In this way you will give yourselves the best chance of reaching an outcome and some maintenance proposals which will feel fair, balanced and fit for purpose and your circumstances at the moment.
Having said all this, we recognise that you may want to dip in and out of the individual sections, guides and schedules as you prepare for mediation and engage with each other in the task of reaching agreements together during mediation.
We have designed the Chapter and sections with this in mind.
Also, we recognise that some people prefer to watch or listen to information and explanation which is why we have created a video series to accompany this Chapter and Divorce Manual.
You will find all the documents associated with this chapter in the Resources section.
Good luck