Mediation is one way of negotiating a resolution of the issues that arise on seperation/divorce and has many advantages over going to court, including being faster, cheaper, and allowing the parties to remain in control and resolve important issues with dignity and respect. This article looks at these benefits and how mediation might work for you and your family.
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a process in which an impartial third-party mediator helps separating couples resolve disputes and make lasting arrangements for the future, without going to court.
Benefits of family mediation to resolve disputes
Overall, using family mediation to resolve issues has some advantages over going to court or negotiating face to face or through solicitors, and is well worth considering in any dispute over children and regarding financial arrangements provided you have had legal advice preferably after having exchanged full financial disclosure.
A faster resolution
One of the biggest benefits of mediation is that it allows for a faster resolution than the traditional court process. This is because mediation is a voluntary process, with no set court timetable or deadlines to adhere to. This means that the parties involved can work at their own pace and resolve their dispute as quickly or as slowly as they need. This flexibility is especially useful if the parties involved cannot meet at the same time or place, as mediation can usually take place over the phone or online.
Costs
Another advantage of mediation is that as with any negotiated settlement it can be much cheaper than going to court. Negotiation either in parallel with the court process or before it starts can also be a much quicker process than going to trial, which means the costs associated with the process are lower. In addition, mediation can take place anywhere convenient for the parties involved, meaning that travel costs are also reduced.
More control
The parties involved in mediation also have much more control over the process than they would in a courtroom. This means they can tailor the process to suit their needs rather than adhere to court rules or procedures. For instance, the parties can decide to have their mediator present for the duration of the process or to have both parties present for the entire process. This is not possible in a court process, where the judge makes all decisions.
Preserve relationships
Finally, and potentially the most important thing in family cases is that negotiated settlements in any forum have the added benefit of preserving relationships between the parties involved. This is because they can allow the parties to come together to find a solution that works for both. This is not possible in a courtroom, where the parties are usually pitted against each other, and the judge usually determines the outcome.
For more information or advice on this or any other Family Law issue, please get in touch with our team of specialist Family Lawyers on 0115 9 100 200 or send us a message.
Posted on January 18, 2023