Mrs Elissa Da Costa-Waldman

Elissa is a firm believer in the advantages of mediation being a principled and assertive negotiator as well as a Collaborative Lawyer. In addition to being an experienced mediator herself, in December 2010 Elissa qualified as a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) for the mentoring and supervision of other mediators.  Elissa is also a specialist in matrimonial finance and cohabitation claims (TOLATA), Elissa also deals with probate and inheritance matters.

Elissa is also a qualified Family Law Arbitrator.

WHY CHOOSE ELISSA?

• Experienced as a mediator and an advocate on behalf of Clients at mediations
• Calm yet assertive, empathetic yet pragmatic making Elissa an excellent choice for family disputes where the temperature inevitably runs high
• Elissa's experience of family disputes and TOLATA claims as well as her advocacy experience in probate cases make her an ideal choice of mediator for probate and inheritance act matters
• Realistic - recognises that no matter how large or small the case, litigation can have an enormous impact on it whereas the benefits of mediating a dispute successfully are immeasurable
• High Rate of Success - due to an assertive yet pragmatic and approachable manner
• Creativity - Elissa believes that no problem is insoluble and quickly engages the clients in a creative and innovative search for successful solutions
• Early Neutral Evaluations - Elissa offers an informal indication of likely outcomes if the parties went to court on their dispute, where a mediation or negotiation has reached impasse
• Flexible on Fees - Elissa is committed to mediation as a means of dispute resolution and is content to work to the parties' budgets
• Availability - although based in London, Elissa is happy to travel to accommodate the parties

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• High Net Worth Matrimonial Finance
• Property and Business
• Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act claims
• Children - Residence, Contact and Specific Issues
• Probate and Inheritance Act Claims

Elissa has extended her already burgeoning family practice to include Court of Protection work in order to provide the full service.  With a growing and increasingly aging population, being able to advise on and mediate disputes arising from Lasting Powers of Attorney, both financial and health and welfare is a necessary skill.  In addition many more people are experiencing mental health problems which includes difficulties with mental capacity arising out of dementia.  Elissa is currently providing training on these issues, deprivation of liberty and the newly updated Court of Protection Rules

ELISSA SAYS:

Mediation is challenging yet rewarding for the participants and the mediator.  It really works as it empowers the Clients who participate in it to reach their own solutions rather than have something neither of them want imposed on them by a court.  Especially in family work it enables couples to move on in a dignified and humane manner.  It is not a soft option for families in dispute but it is worthwhile.

PUBLICATIONS

Contributor to Blackstone's Civil Practice 2000 -2003

Co-Author of Family and Matrimonial Law (Cavendish) 2002

Author Everything you wanted to Know about Practising Family Law (Cavendish) 2004

Various articles for Family Law (Jordans) and Family Law Journal.

"The Loved-Up Divorce - how to be civil about it"  Sunday Times Style Magazine 24 October 2010