Mediation is a confidential, voluntary, “without prejudice” process utilised to facilitate separating or divorcing couples in reaching mutually acceptable agreement on matters concerning the separation whilst also focusing on minimising conflict. In this process our neutral, trained mediators work with people to discuss and negotiate all of the issues related to their family conflict and to explore options for settlement.
In family mediation See Change Practice strongly recommend the use of two mediators, one male & one female, co-mediating. This has been proven to create a much better gender balance and provide significant improvements in terms of results.
Research also shows that mediation improves communication and helps you build for the future in your new circumstances. In particular it can help your children maintain their family relationships.
Whilst there are often many complex and varied issues to consider and it is usually a very stressful time for the whole family, it is now becoming widely recognised that Mediation is a great, cost-effective way for families to resolve difficult problems and to emerge with a sense of achievement. Mediation can also help improve communication, assist you in making decisions about future arrangements for the children and help you make decisions about property and finance as it affects your separation. Court battles, on the other hand, tend to leave people feeling unheard and bitter and may increase the bad feeling between the parties. They are also very costly.
How the Process Works
- Each party independently contacts See Change Mediation.
- Information is sent out to both parties – this includes a sample Agreement to Mediate and a F.A.Q. info sheet, together with details on cost.
- If both parties agree to participate in the mediation process, an initial free information session is arranged which is then followed by a meeting with each party separately to identify key issues. After the individual sessions the first of the joint sessions takes place during which an agenda is drawn up.
- In accordance with what we believe is best practice in A.D.R. (Alternative Dispute Resolution), all family disputes are co-mediated by a male and a female mediator.
- Mediation is conducted by way of both individual and joint sessions as appropriate.
- The process is completely confidential, voluntary and non-binding to the point of agreement. If the parties decide to enter into legally binding arrangements following mediation, this can be organised through their respective legal representatives. At the conclusion of the mediation process, the mediators will furnish a Memorandum of Understanding in order to facilitate this process.
