Building Confidence in Financial Cases: 5 CPD Points

Many mediators, particularly those who are newly accredited and those from non-family law backgrounds, find financial cases very challenging.

This one day, 5 CPD course is designed to help them build on the knowledge of finance and property issues (acquired on their foundation training course and during their portfolio building), and to help them grow in confidence in handling such cases.

By the end of the course, attendees will have a good understanding of:

• The current legal framework for divorce, dissolution and separation agreements; and how to provide appropriate information about this to mediation clients.
• The new Divorce and Dissolution of Civil Partnerships Act 2020, and how to explain to clients the upcoming changes to divorce/dissolution legislation.
• The factors governing financial settlements on divorce and dissolution -  including: the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, s 25 factors, fairness, Mesher orders, child maintenance and maintenance of spouses - and how to give appropriate information about these to mediation clients.
• Pensions as they relate to mediation clients, including:

- the need for actuarial valuations in appropriate cases

- reference to recent case law

- the difference between defined contribution and defined benefit pensions

- how pensions are treated by the court in financial settlements

- the importance of ensuring that mediation clients understand the concept of the dismissal of Inheritance Act 1976 claims in   ‘clean break’ divorce/dissolution settlements.

• How to identify the ‘red flags’ that indicate mediation clients may need to seek advice about Capital Gains Tax issues.
• How to access helpful online guides for further legal and financial information.

The trainers will also work with the attendees in small groups to:

• discuss case examples
• provide tips on the practical application of the legal framework in mediation
• enable them to practice providing appropriate financial information to mediation clients

By the end of the course, it is hoped that attendees will feel more confident in applying their knowledge when working with clients.

The course TEAMS link will be issued the day before the training event is due to be held.