When couples go through marital problems, one of the options they may consider for resolving their issues is divorce. While divorce is the ultimate solution for some cases, it can be a difficult and costly journey for others. As such, more and more couples have been turning to family mediation as a means of resolving their issues. However, what exactly is family mediation? How does it work? We’ll be taking a detailed look at family mediation and everything you need to know about the procedure.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a process of resolving conflicts between parties that arise from a family or relationship breakdown. It’s a voluntary process facilitated by a neutral third-party mediator, who helps both parties in resolving their issues through open discussion and negotiation. The mediator is usually a trained and accredited professional who has a thorough understanding of family law, dispute resolution, and communication skills.
How Does Family Mediation Work?
The first step of family mediation is usually the initial meeting, where both parties and the mediator meet and introduce themselves. The mediator will then explain the whole mediation process, including the roles and responsibilities of each party. They will also listen to each party’s concerns, emotions, and views in a non-judgmental and impartial way to gain insight into their story and situation.
Once the mediator has gathered enough information, they will then help both parties to identify the issues that need to be addressed. The mediator will then encourage both parties to discuss the issues without interruption and offer suggestions for finding solutions that meet the interests of all involved parties. If both parties reach a suitable agreement, the mediator will draft a document containing the terms of the agreement, which both parties must sign.
Advantages of Family Mediation
Family mediation has numerous advantages compared to traditional court litigation. Some of these advantages include:
- A more time and cost-effective procedure compared to trial litigation.
- The process is confidential, meaning that the details of the proceedings are not disclosed to the public.
- The parties involved have more control and say in the decision-making process.
- The process is less adversarial and helps both parties to communicate better and with respect.
Summary
Family mediation is a process that offers couples an alternative to traditional court litigation for resolving marital disputes. The procedure involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps parties to communicate better and reach an agreement that meets the interests of all involved parties. If you are currently going through marital problems, family mediation may be worth considering, and we recommend using the services of a professional mediator to help ensure the best outcome. At Rhino Mediation, we provide top-quality family mediation services for couples needing help resolving family law-related matters. Contact us to book an appointment.
