Divorce & Separating Couples Mediation
Supporting Couples Through Separation with Respect and Clarity
Midlands Mediation Services provides professional mediation support for separating couples across all family structures and relationship types within Irish society. Leona works inclusively with married couples, heterosexual couples, same sex couples, civil partners, cohabiting couples, and non-married partners where legal rights and responsibilities may arise under Irish law.
Mediation provides a safe, confidential, and structured environment where couples can discuss important matters respectfully and work towards practical agreements with the support of an impartial mediator. The process supports both parties in making informed decisions together, rather than having decisions imposed through the Court process.
Mediation is voluntary and confidential. As mediator, Leona does not take sides or provide legal advice, but instead supports both parties in reaching informed and workable agreements together. Independent legal advice is encouraged throughout the process.
How the Mediation Process Works
Pre-Mediation Sessions
Each person first attends a confidential individual session with Leona. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss concerns, explain the mediation process, and assess whether mediation is appropriate for the circumstances.
Joint Pre-Mediation Session
Following the individual sessions, both parties attend a joint pre-mediation session together. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether both parties are willing to engage in mediation and to establish an agreement to mediate moving forward.
Joint Mediation Sessions
If both parties agree to proceed, joint mediation sessions are scheduled to work through the issues requiring discussion and agreement in a respectful and structured environment.
Matters That Can Be Discussed in Mediation
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Parenting arrangements and parenting plans
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Child Inclusive Mediation and the voice of the child
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Co-parenting and communication arrangements
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Accommodation and living arrangements
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Financial planning and shared responsibilities
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Interim and partial agreements
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Property and separation arrangements
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Succession planning and wills
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Family transitions and future planning
Outcomes of Mediation
Where agreements are reached, the outcome of mediation is typically recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document outlines the agreements made during mediation and can then be provided to each party’s solicitor.
Solicitors may use the Memorandum of Understanding to prepare the necessary legal documentation and, where appropriate, present the agreement to the Court as part of a legally binding Separation Agreement or Divorce process.
Review mediation sessions can also be built into agreements on an annual basis, recognising that family circumstances, parenting arrangements, children’s needs, and financial situations may change over time.
Benefits of Mediation
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Improves communication during separation
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Reduces conflict and emotional stress
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Supports child-focused decision-making
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Encourages respectful co-parenting relationships
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Creates practical and sustainable agreements
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Provides clarity and structure during family change
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Offers a more flexible and less adversarial alternative to Court proceedings.
Leona’s approach is compassionate, professional, and focused on helping couples move forward with clarity, dignity, and practical solutions for the future.