Mediation is a way of resolving a conflict between two or more parties. In mediation, all parties to the dispute meet and work with a neutral third party, called a mediator, to form an agreement on the issues.
Family mediation, as the name suggests, focuses on resolving conflicts within a family. Family mediationempowers families to work towards finding a solution that benefits each member.
If you are going through a divorce, you may want to consider family mediation. Family mediation provides divorcing spouses with a way to take control of their future or the outcome of their separation without the need for litigation. Family mediation allows each party to better understand and express their needs and interests and share concerns to come to a resolution.
The family mediation process
The mediation process can be summarized in six steps:
- Pre-mediation: Each party becomes familiar with the basic rules of mediation. This step functions as an orientation for mediation and what is expected. Writing down your needs and objectives going into mediation will help make the process easier.
- Introduction: Both parties involved come to the table to discuss expectations and possible outcomes of the process.
- Identification of issues: Each party outlines the various issues involved in the dispute.
- Clarification of interests: Each party states their position on the issues outlined.
- Presentation of options: Both parties come together to consider creative solutions to the issues at hand. This helps to prevent frustration and disagreement.
- Agreement: All the important details are considered, and both parties arrive at a consensus.
Benefits of family mediation
There are many advantages to using mediation as an alternative to litigation. Below are some of the benefits:
- Mediation allows the parties involved to maintain control and ownership of the entire process.
- Mediation fosters communication and cooperation.
- Children are a priority in mediation. It helps parents make decisions that are in the best interest of their children.
- Mediation encourages effective co-parenting.
- It is a practical, affordable, and confidential process.
- Mediation is a shorter, simpler and more cost-effective option than a long court process.
- It is less stressful and combative than court proceedings. It removes the adversarial atmosphere typical in contentious divorces.
- Mediation is empowering. Decisions are left solely to the parties involved instead of a third party, for example, a judge, who does not have an intimate knowledge of your family’s dynamics.
- At times, ex-spouses must still be a part of each other’s lives, such as when children are involved. The mediation will help you achieve an amicable dissolution of your marriage to preserve the future of the relationship.
- Mediation provides mutually satisfactory results.
What role does a divorce lawyer play in family mediation?
Separating assets and liabilities and deciding on other important matters can be quite challenging. Therefore, even if you opt for family mediation to settle your divorce matters, it is still crucial that you hire a divorce lawyerto ensure that the decisions made during the process are in your best interest.
Your divorce lawyer will help you prepare for the mediation process and explore the legal aspects of the possible settlement options. You may even choose to have your divorce lawyer present during the process. Once you have reached a consensus, your lawyer will prepare or review your mediation agreement before you sign. Your divorce lawyer may even assist with enforcement of the terms of the contract.
Are you searching for a divorce lawyer in Surrey?
If you are searching for a divorce lawyer in Surrey to guide you through the family mediation process, contact us at Our capable and experienced Surrey divorce lawyer will work to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Call or visit our website to book an appointment today.
