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Family Mediation - What is it?
Family Mediation is a process whereby parents and other family members agree to try to work out a solution to the problems arising from separation.
The Mediator's role is neutral. The Mediator does not give advice but can give factual information and suggest strategies or solutions for consideration, which may help. The Mediator is there to help couples equally to consider, in a controlled manner, what needs to be settled and help them reach workable solutions. Mediation can be used to address problems or worries about money, houses, property, investments and debt.
| The Advantages of Mediation may include;
Speed – Mediation is almost always quicker than engaging in Court Proceedings. The parties dictate the pace of Mediation.
Cost – Mediation for some parties is free and therefore there is no cost to them or claw back from the Legal Services Commission (LSC).
Private Mediations – These are conducted on an average at half the hourly that is charged by Solicitors.
Trauma – The breakdown of any relationship can be traumatic for all parties themselves but also relevant children and other friends or relatives who feel on the sidelines. Mediation can help to reduce the stress as the parties meet in more comfortable surroundings than at Court and they retain control of the process.
Flexibility – Each family is unique. Mediation allows the parties to come to arrangements which suit their individual family needs as opposed to having decisions taken out of their control and imposed by the Court. |
In addition Mediation can be used to reach solutions over the children, such as where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, who they see, what happens in the holidays, at Christmas and such like.
Midlands Mediation can also (in appropriate cases) offer Child Consultation Mediation giving the child(ren) an opportunity to have their say.
Mediation is a process, which offers parties an opportunity to make their own decisions avoiding the need for long delays and costly Court Proceedings.
What it is not
Mediation is not marriage guidance. Mediation is not a way for one party to deceive the other or force or pressure the other to agree to something they do not want. It is not a way of getting one solicitor to act for both parties. It is not a substitute court hearing. Mediation is VOLUNTARY and a party cannot be forced to attend. Mediation is suitable in many but not all cases. |
