This course is recommended for all WTA’s.

Week 1: Divorce and Dissolution (24th April)

A detailed look at the law behind divorce and dissolution to include the process, timings and the sort of information mediators will be discussing with clients.  The session also gives an overview of religious divorce, judicial separation, void and voidable marriages as well as the formalities of what makes a valid marriage.

Week 2: Matrimonial Finances Part 1 (Law) (1st May)

This session considers how a court determines the financial split on the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership. The focus is on a detailed review of the Section 25 factors, including relevant case lase and how these apply in practice.  It also covers the various orders the court can make (capital, income and pension) again with a focus on applying the law to a specific case study.

Week 3: Matrimonial Finances Part 2 (Procedure) (8th May)

Building on the previous session, this looks at the procedure involved in taking a finance case through the court.  It sets out the timelines, documents, the process of disclosure and the various issues that might arise in such a case.  It also includes a brief consideration of some of the issues that can arise high net worth cases.

Week 4: Private Children (15th May)

Starting with the framework provided by the Children Act 1989 and the overarching principles it lays down, this session moves on to a detailed focus on section 8 orders (e.g. child arrangement orders) and the factors the court will apply when determining such a case.  It also includes a brief overview of the procedure for these cases, including the various hearings involved and what these might mean for mediation clients.   Finally there is a brief look at ‘leave to remove’ cases which involve one  parent applying to take children permanently out of the jurisdiction.

Week 5: Cohabitation (22nd May)

This session provides a detailed look at the various financial implications of the breakdown of a relationship for cohabitees.  Looking both at property claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) 1996 as well as Schedule 1 applications and how these two areas can overlap in certain cases.  It gives attendees an opportunity to think about how to approach mediation for never married couples and some possible strategies for discussion.

Please note: the courses are interactive courses, cameras will be expected to be turned on to ensure you and other participants benefit as much as possible from the course.