The benefits of mediation for dealing with relationship breakdown
The benefits of mediation for dealing with relationship breakdown
Vanessa Friend is a trained mediator and Partner at NW1 law firm, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors. In this blog, Vanessa explains the advantages of family mediation in resolving family disputes and how mediation can put you and your partner in control of your family’s future.
Separation and divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster, where feelings of anger, hurt and worry are common. With emotions running high, it can feel impossible to resolve the issues arising from your separation, such as the division of assets, parenting arrangements and maintenance payments. When communication breaks down, it might seem like the only option is to use the court system. However, there is an alternative path that helps you reach a resolution sooner and stay in control of your family’s future: family mediation.
What is family mediation and how does it work?
Family mediation involves a series of face to face discussions between you and your partner, which are facilitated by a trained, impartial mediator. As a neutral figure, the mediator will enable you both to make decisions in a constructive, confidential setting. The meetings can now take place via Zoom or another video conferencing service to enable you to participate during lockdown.
Family mediation enables you and your partner to guide your family’s future
Your family circumstances are individual and mediation reflects this. Family mediation allows you to choose the topics for discussion and the decisions to be reached, which is different from issuing a court application where the judge will impose a decision on you. Common topics for mediation include the finances on separation, use of the family home and arrangements for your children. The mediation process enables you and your partner to make your own choices about your future, without having arrangements imposed on your family by the court.
Family mediation reduces conflict and minimises the impact that separation has on children
Conflict between separating parents can have a lasting impact on children and despite our best intentions it is easy to get caught in a battle when emotions are high. Family mediation works to resolve the disputes between you and reduce conflict. Addressing issues early and in a constructive setting allows for greater cooperation and improved communication as you continue to co-parent.
Using a mediator to resolve disputes can be almost four times quicker than using the Family Court
Dealing with disputes through the Family Court is often a long and drawn-out process. Being constrained by court timetables and the backlog caused by COVID-19 can result in a slow and frustrating experience. On the other hand, family mediation takes place entirely at your own pace, so disputes are resolved sooner while allowing you time to carefully consider proposals and agree the best arrangements for you and your family. The monetary savings can also be significant.
The pandemic has made a difficult situation worse for many people separating or divorcing. Family mediation can help you resolve disputes and make better decisions quickly so you can move forward with your life sooner – despite the pandemic.
Get in touch for a free, confidential conversation about mediation
Vanessa Friend is an experienced mediator, known for her calm, friendly and professional approach to mediation, with one recent client saying:
“Always calm, clear and professional, Vanessa helped us to navigate and overcome the tensions between us and we were eventually able to reach agreement. Vanessa made what felt like an impossible situation feel manageable and I’m very grateful to her”.
She is joined in the mediation team by Jacqueline Major, the head of the family department, who brings a wealth of experience as a lawyer to her practice as a mediator.
