Amy and Jon came to mediation to talk about the arrangements for their child Hannah who was eight weeks old and to make decisions about their house. They also wanted to make decisions about maintenance for Hannah.
Amy and John had lived together for ten years. They bought a house together using their joint savings and a loan from Amy’s parents. The house was in joint names although the mortgage was in Jon’s name. May became pregnant with their first child. Jon ended the relationship.
Amy is on maternity leave so was on a low income. She qualified for legal aid. Jon is earning more than Amy but the first individual meeting and first mediation for both Amy and Jon were paid for by the Legal Aid agency.
Amy was worried about her position and did not know what would happen in mediation. Jon was worried he would be a weekend dad and not pay a part in Hannah’s life. The mediator was able to give Amy and Jon information about the factors a court would take into account in making a decision about the financial arrangements and the arrangements for Hannah.
Jon and Amy agreed to gradually increase the time Hannah spent with Jon. He set up a standing order for maintenance. Jon and Amy were able to reach agreement about the house.
