When family issues such as separation or divorce arise, couples often turn to a family mediation service to resolve their differences. The goal of this process is to help both parties come up with a solution that works best for everyone involved, rather than have a judge decide the outcome. It is also a faster and more cost-efficient option than going to court. Having a professional family mediator can be beneficial in the long run, as it can help you maintain a civil relationship after your divorce or separation and prevent future conflicts.
A family mediation service is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where couples meet with an impartial third party, called a mediator, to discuss their concerns and find common ground. The mediator will then facilitate the discussion, allowing each person to express their opinions and perspectives without being interrupted. While mediation is not always successful, it can be a much better option than going to court. During the ADR process, each party must be willing to compromise and participate in the sessions fully.
The mediation process can be very emotional for all parties involved. Because of this, many people prefer to use a family mediator with experience in family law and dealing with high-conflict cases. A therapist or attorney with experience in family law can recommend a good mediator in your area. You should also read reviews on a family mediation service before making a decision.
In most cases, a mediator will only be available during certain times of the week and will have set meeting hours to accommodate both parents’ schedules. The couple will meet with the mediator in separate rooms and the mediator will “shuttle” between the two rooms to encourage both sides to communicate and agree on an outcome. Some mediators will also request meetings with children to get their perspective on the situation.
During the mediation session, the mediator will ask both parties to share information and provide documents and evidence. The mediator will then analyze the information and try to find areas of mutual agreement. The mediator may also suggest other services, such as counselling for children and families or financial counseling, if needed.
Some family mediators are specially trained to work with elder care issues. This can be especially helpful when a loved one needs to move into a nursing home or other assisted living facility, which can be very difficult for everyone involved. During this time, emotions are high, there may be financial considerations and tension between family members can escalate.
If you are in need of a family mediation service, you can contact the Family Mediation Council (FMC). This organization maintains a registry of certified family mediators and does not provide mediation itself or recommend any particular provider. You can search the FMC register by keying in your postcode or the name of the mediator. A list of providers will be provided, and you can contact the one nearest you for more information about their fees and schedules.
