Family Mediation: The Way To Go by James Pollack
Family mediation, known also as Divorce Mediation and
Family Dispute Resolution, is a method of resolving family issues after
a broken relationship. It helps resolve issues of sharing access to children
and the break-up of assets without resorting to costly legal and court fees. The mediator plays the role of a third-party, impartial
mediator who aids agreement.
Family mediation costs very little when compared to legal/court
mitigated break-ups. It usually results in better emotional outcomes, having
removed the adversarial approach that is the cornerstone of our legal processes.
Family issues arising from a separation need to be managed with proper care to
ensure good outcomes. With the help of a professional mediator you can navigate
these issues and get results that a legally driven process will not.
Family mediation is an alternative for filing for a divorce
in court. They are two quite different things with the aim of achieving similar
outcomes in your divorce. In some ways, family mediation is the opposite to the
long, stressful, and expensive process involved in court procedures for
settling disputes and misunderstanding. Family mediation aims to bring together
a mutually beneficial separation.
Family Mediation Process
The actual mediation part of the family mediation process usually
happens in one day. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t considerable work done
to get your ready for that day. A good family mediation company will assign a
mediator to you, who works with you to prepare you. They will help you manage
expectations, work with you to prepare financials, and help you gain a perspective
into what should be achieved on the day of mediation.
The day of mediation is where you and your ex come together with a
mediator. Here you work out your differences and are guided through to an
agreement that suits you both.
You should then have that agreement made legally binding. Family
mediation company Family
Mediation Station, for instance, have lawyers on hand to draw up a legally
binding agreement.
Why Family Mediation is the way to go
After divorce, there automatically comes other issues that
need to be addressed to ensure that you and ex-partner have nothing to disagree
upon anymore. If these things are not stressed, there’s no doubt you and your
ex-partner will still be having a disagreement over the things you’ve acquired
while you are together. So, what are those things Family Mediation can ensure?
Things to Consider when hiring a Family Mediator
The quality of your family mediation is, without any doubt,
very important. And for this reason you want to get the best mediation available.
There are things you should be looking out for when hiring a family mediator as
listed below:
1. A good family mediator should be readily available when
you hire them. Some family mediators have waiting lists months long. Please check
this with your mediator before committing to the process.
2. Communication with your family mediator is fundamental,
so you will be going for one who has good listening and interaction skill. As
part of the mediation process you should have a mentor who works with you and
prepares you for mediation.
3. The experience and professionalism of the mediator should
be paramount. Check that they are professionally endorsed and qualified.
4. Your family mediator should be truly neutral,
independent, and importantly, a third party. Therefore, it is important for you
to select a trained professional who is neutral to you and your partner.
5. Make sure that your family mediator or family mediation
company can draw up a legally binding agreement. The process of mediation means
little if it’s not made binding.
6. You should be fully aware of any fees incurred by the process. Looks
for a company that offers fixed fee mediation.
Life Is Too Short For Court
The legal costs of divorce lawyers can eat into the wealth
of your family. Fighting out an agreement through lawyers can leave everyone
worse for wear. Not just financially either. It’s emotionally exhausting. Family
mediation is a good alternative. Select your family mediator carefully using
our criteria and start the process that will allow you to get on with your
life.
