Collaborative Lawyer & Mediator
Sarah has specialised in family law for over 20 years. Family law now includes a wide variety of ways to work with clients to make sure everyone can find the process which is most suitable and convenient for them. She is able to work with couples jointly or individually as preferred as follows:
Jointly:
- As an accredited family mediator who can provide MIAMS (mediation information and assessment meetings) where needed
- As a child inclusive mediator (where parents both consent to their child(ren) being invited to a meeting with the child inclusive mediator)
- As a hybrid mediator (where clients have the option to include their lawyers to join meetings for added support if required)
- Working within the ‘one lawyer/two clients’ model (working jointly with couples as lawyer for them both jointly with a family consultant and often with financial professionals to provide all round support)
Individually:
- As a collaborative lawyer (where both clients have their own collaborative lawyer from different firms and we work together through a series of joint meetings to resolve matters without a court process – and where you still have individual time with your own separate lawyers between joint meetings for confidential advice)
- Supporting and advising clients through the court process in situations where this is still a required process
- Working with individual clients to negotiate child arrangements and financial settlements through correspondence – solicitor-led negotiation
Sarah is sensitive to the life-changing upheaval often caused by separation for families, especially for children and appreciates the importance of providing clients with clarity as to their options, supporting and guiding them through what can be an overwhelming time in their lives. Her hope for all clients is that they will feel empowered through whichever process they choose, to make realistic, positive and lasting plans for the future.
Sarah works with clients to find the best option to meet their particular needs recognising that every family is different. She prioritises the use of non-court dispute resolution processes to resolve family situations by working collaboratively with clients and professional colleagues including family consultants and collaboratively trained financial advisers appreciating the value of their expertise in helping clients to find the right solution for their families.
Member of Resolution, the Family Mediation Council, the Law Society and collaborative groups Brightpod https://brightpod.co.uk/ and the Family Resolution Space https://thefamilyresolutionspace.co.uk/ . Outside work Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, travelling and speaks French (to conversational level).
Sarah-Jane Riddell
Family Law Partners
https://www.familylawpartners.co.uk/
sarah-jane@familylawpartners.co.uk
Tel: 01273 646900
