Disputes within the family can be very stressful and cause a lot of strain to relationships. Often, it is the case that disputes have arisen regarding the children of the family which can cause a lot of upset to those involved. Family mediation is used as a form of discussion to settle these disputes in an amicable way that allows all parties to communicate effectively to avoid any further upset.
If you are wanting to take proceedings through the Court, then you will most likely have to attend mediation prior as the court would usually expect the parties to have attempted mediation. This is because mediation is not as costly as going to court and it allows parties to try and come to an agreement themselves amicably. In addition, the court process can be complex, and parties often feel overwhelmed. Whereas in mediation parties are guided through the process step by step by a mediator. The court may require a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, which is an initial meeting with a mediator to decide whether the dispute can be resolved without going to court, the parties are informed about the options available to them depending on the route they decide to take.
Family mediation works by allowing parties to resolve their disputes through discussion and negotiation and allows them to express their thoughts and concerns in the presence of an impartial mediator. The mediator is there to listen to each party and help them to come to a compromise through objective advice.
Objective advice means that while they will not tell the parties what to do but instead offer guidance on how to communicate with one another in the most beneficial way to get the matter resolved. Family mediators can cover a whole wide range of topics, and experience supporting families through divorce, child arrangements and other matters relating to the family.
The mediator will take each parties circumstances and points of view into consideration and attempt to find common ground in which agreements can be formed. Once a final agreement has been formed, the mediator will produce a document that confirms everyone is clear and agreeable to what has been discussed and decided.
At Dylan Nair Solicitors, our team of family lawyers strive to deliver specialist family law advice and aim to support you during these difficult times. For more information, or to discuss your matter with our specialists today contact: 01772 494366