NAVIGATING CHANGE,
TOGETHER.
MEDIATING WITH
PRESENCE AND Insight
At Mediation First we believe in empowering families to resolve disputes with fairness and impartiality, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. Our approach is rooted in understanding, helping you to address your challenges with compassion and care.
We focus on creating solutions that meet your priorities, goals and unique circumstances to avoid the need for costly litigation. We place the wellbeing of your children at the heart of every discussion, ensuring that they are shielded from unnecessary conflict.
Welcome, my name is
Karen Sutherland
I am the founder of Mediation First and a specialist family mediator. I help you to find understanding beneath the conflict and a path forward where resolution feels possible for everyone.
As a family mediator accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, I emotionally and practically support families so resolution isn’t just an end, but a solid foundation for what comes next.
I draw from my depth of experience in child protection, child custody disputes and divorce actions to ensure that your children’s needs are at the forefront of any mediation discussions.
Our MEDIATION SERVICES
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Reach a mediated agreement on some or all of the issues which arise from divorce such as financial provision on divorce, child support, custody and visitation. Mediated agreements save you time, stress and cost compared to formal litigation.
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Mediate a comprehensive parenting agreement that priorities your children’s needs and future life outcomes. Through mediated agreements you will minimize the likelihood of ongoing parental conflict, which is harmful to you and to your children’s health and development.
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Mediate specific issues either before or post divorce which may arise such as a review of child support, consent to travel, child relocation, change of school, referral to health or psychological services, or any other matter that presents post divorce.
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Check in mediation is an opportunity for parents to meet at a defined time to stay ahead of the conflict.
Check in mediations can be quarterly, bi- annual or annual depending on need.
Our Approach
At Mediation First we follow a clear, structured and ethical process.
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The agreement to mediate sets out the mediation aim, the process, your role, and the mediators role as an impartial facilitator. The agreement makes provisions about financial disclosure and confidentiality amongst other matters, so that each of you understands your rights and obligations before you agree to mediate.
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At the initial mediation session we will identify the issues that require to be resolved from each person’s perspective. The other person is not present at this initial meeting and what is discussed is confidential. It is also an opportunity to assess whether mediation is appropriate in your particular case. The initial mediation session lasts up to one hour. If both persons and the mediator agree to proceed, a joint mediation session will be arranged.
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In the joint mediation session we will create a joint agenda and agree the issues that require to be resolved. We will consider settlement options. The length of the mediation will depend on the number of matters that require to be discussed, but typically mediation requires 3 - 5 joint sessions. Each session lasts around 90 minutes.
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At the conclusion of the mediation, and at the request of both persons, a mediation summary and financial summary will be prepared by and sent to you by your mediator. The mediation summary is not a binding contract. Each person is advised to take the mediation summary and financial summary to their respective lawyer to have a formal agreement drawn up.
Why Mediate?
✔ Cost-Effective – Mediation is significantly less expensive than court battles.
✔ Time-Saving – Resolve disputes faster than traditional legal processes.
✔ Empowering – You remain in control of the outcomes, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
✔ Future-Focused – Mediation prioritizes long-term harmony and well-being for families.
Helpful Insights
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Mediation is a voluntary collaborative process where a neutral third party helps families reach agreement. It’s typically faster, less costly, and focuses on cooperation rather than conflict.
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Mediation is a voluntary and confidential opportunity to resolve your disagreements in an empowered and collaborative manner.
Mediation is a safe space to resolve disputes as neither party can rely on what was said in any future litigation without the other person’s consent. No binding agreement is entered into without having had the opportunity to take your own legal advice.
These safeguards allow you the opportunity to safely explore resolution and so avoid the need and expense of protracted litigation.
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The length of mediation depends on the complexity of your case. Most families can resolve disputes in just a few sessions.
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A mediation summary is produced at the end of the mediation process, at the request of both persons. If you wish to enter into a binding agreement further steps are required. The mediation summary will need to be drafted into a contract by your solicitor and signed by you and your spouse. Your solicitor will advise you on any further procedure required.