Family Mediation Edinburgh is a common concept, but what exactly does it entail? What is family mediation and how might it benefit you?
This blog will answer some of the questions you may have had regarding family mediation Edinburgh.
What does family mediation entail?
Mediation Edinburgh is a method for assisting parties to reach an agreement on contentious and emotionally charged issues. It does not always have to be about family concerns – arrangements regarding when your children visit each parent after you’ve separated, for example, or financial arrangements – but these are very tough conversations to have, and mediation may be of tremendous assistance.
The mediator is totally impartial and objective. They are not on either of your respective “sides.” Their goal is on facilitating your dialogue and helping you to a mutually acceptable solution. The mediator will not make decisions on your behalf or dictate what you must do.
My ex and I do not get along at all. Will family mediation be beneficial?
It may be quite challenging to have these conversations at the best of times, let alone when there are added pressures generated by the breakdown of a relationship. Too often, you cannot prevent a conversation with your ex from degenerating into a shouting match, making it impossible to discuss things rationally or reach an agreement.
Mediation Edinburgh can be of great assistance here. Our mediators for family dispute mediation are exceptional communicators and highly competent at diffusing difficult situations and creating the conditions for both parties to have their say in a peaceful, non-threatening context.
The mediation Edinburgh process begins with a confidential, one-on-one meeting between the mediator and each of you in which the mediator explains the procedure and inquires about your desired outcome. This gathering is known as the MIAM, or the Mediation and Information Assessment Meeting.
If both parties agree that they want to attempt to reach an agreement through mediation Edinburgh, the next step will be mediation sessions, which will follow these meetings. Together with the two of you and the mediator, you will address the concerns, and the mediator will assist you in keeping your conversations focused on the issues that need to be resolved – as quietly and respectfully as possible.
If you cannot be in the same room as your ex, we offer shuttle mediation Edinburgh as one of our family mediation Edinburgh services. You will not meet your ex face-to-face; instead, the mediator will “shuttle” between you and relay messages. Once you have identified areas of agreement, it may be simpler to conclude the talk face-to-face, but the mediator would never force you into this scenario if it made you uncomfortable.
Is family mediation only for divorcing couples?
Perhaps not necessarily. Sometimes other people, such as grandparents or other extended family members, may be apprehensive about losing contact with the children after the parents divorce. When spouses are splitting, it can be very challenging for grandparents to conduct these kind of discussions. In these situations, family mediation can be an excellent option for other family members to remain active with the children.
Is it not simpler to go directly to court and let them decide?
Court should be the absolute last resort. Before resorting to the courts, you are expected to have made every effort to resolve your difficulties on your own. In most situations, you will not be able to file a lawsuit until you have first explored mediation or another kind of alternative dispute resolution.
Also, the legal procedure is lengthy and arduous, incredibly stressful for all parties involved, and can wind up costing a great deal of money, particularly if you must hire attorneys to prepare and present your case in court. You must obey the court’s rulings and instructions, even if you disagree with them or do not like them. Mediation can help you reach an agreement considerably more quickly, at a fraction of the cost, and you will be much more likely to accept the decision because you will have had a much larger role in determining it.
How much do mediation services cost?
We charge £99 per individual for the MIAM meeting and £150 per individual per hour for mediation sessions. Typically, you can reach a mediated agreement in two or three sessions. In contrast, legal action can cost thousands of pounds and go on for months or even years.
If you receive certain types of benefits or have a modest income while working, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, which would cover the expenses of your mediation as well as your ex-MIAM spouse’s and initial mediation session.
Conclusion
When separating spouses must have painful conversations about post-separation family arrangements, mediation can be of great assistance. We can help you discuss crucial matters, such as how you will retain touch with your children, without resorting to an argument or yelling match. We provide a family mediation service in England and Wales, and if it is more convenient, we can complete the entire procedure online.
Call Family Mediation Service Edinburgh today for more information on how we can assist you.
