Case Studies
Family Property Dispute
A family purchased a property in joint names but later decided to separate and go their own ways. They wanted to share the equity in the property fairly and engaged us as mediators. It was necessary to obtain an up-to-date valuation for the property, and calculate running expenses, outstanding mortgage and family arrangements when the property was purchased. Each person with an interest was met individually or through a video call. Finally, a joint meeting was held at a neutral venue to agree on the distribution of equity.
A Mediation Agreement setting out the distribution arrangements was signed by all parties and presented to their solicitors to complete the payment of funds and changes to property title deeds.
Divorce
After 26 years of marriage, a couple decided to divorce. They engaged us as mediators and were asked to sign a Mediation Appointment Letter which set out how we would work. This provided some reassurance on costs and what we hoped to achieve. Our approach was to gather all the relevant information from both parties and meet with them in person to confirm its accuracy.
After two months and four meetings, we held a final joint meeting to prepare a final Mediation Agreement which was signed by both parties in the presence of the Mediator. This was then presented to their solicitors to complete the legal formalities to finalise the divorce.
The couple was able to save some £6000 in legal fees by using Mediation before they asked their solicitors to finalise legal formalities for a divorce.
Dissolution of a Business Partnership
A family decided to end their successful partnership and divide their assets in a fair and equitable manner. The assets included cash, property and ‘goodwill’. The family engaged Sangha Mediation as Independent Mediators because they trusted the Mediator to act impartially.
Using professional valuers to advise on the value of the business assets we were able to work with the business partners on how the business operated and built its ‘goodwill’ over a number of years.
Options for dissolution of the partnership were discussed in person with both partners before holding a half-day joint meeting to finalise and sign a Mediation Agreement to be presented to their solicitors to complete the legal formalities.
The family business partnership was ended, with an agreement on how its assets should be fairly divided between the partners.
