This week is family mediation week. This is a welcome week to promote and support what remains an overlooked, or misunderstood, process for couples experiencing separation with the issues and disputes that often arise. To many (and sadly I include some family law advisors in this) mediation is seen as just a “tick box” excercise on the route to Court, or an easy option- something to only use if the couple remain on very amicable terms. Not so. In fact, my experience is that mediation is rarely the “easy” option – it takes hard work and commitment and is not the right process for everyone. Sitting with a former partner, airing different views to try and reach agreements that work best for the family as a whole, easy? no worthwhile? absolutely.
One of the misconceptions I encounter often is that people believe mediation is a form of counselling, a process designed to mend a broken relationship. This is not what mediation is for – family mediation is a process to help faciliate and foster communication and assist couples in reaching decisions to move forward after a relationship breakdown, whether very recent or months or years later.
Mediation is a voluntary process, typically used by couples experiencing separation but can be used for wider famliy issues such as grandparents or step-parents. After individual sessions, if all parties agree, a joint session is arranged and mediation is then underway. It is the mediator’s role to faciliate and manage the process – they are impartial and balanced using thier professional expertise to assist you in overcoming impasse and managing conflict and providing legal information but not advice. Decisions made at mediation are yours alone and the process can help rebuild communication and trust which can be invaluable in ensuring you feel in control in what is often and overwhelming and frightening time.
If you wish to explore whether mediation is the right process for you, please contact me to arrange an initial appointment.
Lisa Buckridge
01908 044520 – lisa@purcellsolicitors.co.uk