Family law mediation has been a consistent approach for people to resolve the dispute in conflict. However, there is always a neutral third party who cannot pick sides. For example, suppose a family is separated. In that case, they use the help of family law mediation to resolve fights and other disagreements about children, rather than taking the other party to a court.
Introduction to family law mediation
This process can be informal or formal. It can be informal when you use a relative or a friend to talk you and the other party through the talks of a dispute. You can also make it a formal process when you involve a professional mediator.
Disputes can be between two people (like couples) or even extend to other relatives. If the matter is about child protection, one may need to seek a full meeting where everyone will be present.
If the matter cannot be resolved by this method, one might need to use the court and allow the judge or jury to make the final decision. If you are conversant with the legal system of your location, you will agree that using the court can be time-consuming, tiring, and even expensive. This process aims at preventing matters from getting to this stage.
Family law mediation encourages divorced people to resolve issues and create personal arrangements that help them cater to their kids without going to court. There are several approaches to this;
- Discussion between the parents of the people involved
- Relying on a relative or a friend to help
- The informal pattern of mediation
- Hiring a professional to provide family law mediation service
Discussions around the care of children and division of property always come up after the relationship has broken down. Well, the whole situation is emotional, and it is always appropriate to consult a professional at this stage.
Dispute Resolution
Synonymous to alternative dispute resolution, family law mediation is a type of dispute resolution that helps to bring relatives together. They can quickly come to an agreement. Families can consider various options that would work even as they are focused on their children’s needs. They employ an accredited practitioner who is neutral.
The practitioner helps participants create a parenting plan based on arrangements that they could have made. The approach is practical and does not cost much as families can employ the professional help they need.
Other facts you should know about family law mediation
The process is not the same as counselling. The focus is never on the emotional aspect but a deliberate action to arrive at a solution. Well, the involved parties can consult a counsellor before choosing to employ a dispute resolution practitioner. If family law mediation is not able to solve the issue at hand, the practitioner will suggest other solutions the relatives can explore to reach a consensus.
Conclusion
Family law mediation has been consistent in terms of results down the years. Much more than it being cost-effective, it considers the children involved.