Sir, – Mary Carolan outlines the financial challenges facing couples who are negotiating a divorce (“‘You can end up with a house of horrors’ – How much does a divorce in Ireland cost?” April 11th). Unfortunately the article does not point out the value of engaging in separating couples mediation, which not only reduces the financial cost of divorce but enables parties to negotiate their separation together in a non-adversarial way.
The mediation settlement can then be given legal effect by the couple’s solicitors. Divorce involves the restructuring of a family where an ongoing relationship is essential for the welfare of any children and mediation allows the voice of the child to be heard and considered in the decision-making process.
Mediation does not work for every couple, but it is a dignified, respectful, confidential process empowering couples to negotiate the best workable outcomes for their family at a challenging and stressful time. – Yours, etc,
SIÚN KEARNEY,
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Advanced mediator (Mediators’ Institute of Ireland; MII),
Advanced elder mediator (Elder Mediation International Network; EMIN),
Cork.
