Why Mediation Should Be Your First Step in Managing Family Disputes
When tensions are high and you feel unable to communicate clearly and reasonably with your partner or ex-partner it can feel like you are going around in endless circles with no resolution in sight.
These family disputes can have significant emotional impacts on everyone involved, especially children caught in the middle. Constant lengthy arguments with no results can just leave everyone stressed and frustrated and considering litigation.
However, litigation is a major step that can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, it can be beneficial to start with a more gentle, guided approach; this is where mediation comes in.
What is Mediation?
Professional mediation and Family Dispute Resolution is the process of having an unbiased third party assist in coming to mutually beneficial resolutions for conflicts. Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners help to start and guide respectful and progressive conversations.
It is designed to be a therapeutic process that allows all parties involved to be heard and understood while moving along negotiations. Our job is not to speak for you, but to instead assist both parties in communicating for themselves and with each other without escalating or going in unproductive directions.
We believe that a little conflict is to be expected and can even be good, as long as it is not causing harm and is productive. We allow a little heat as long as things don’t get out of hand and we can see that progress is being made.
The Benefits of Mediation
Cost-Effectiveness and Time Efficiency
Litigation and court hearings can be lengthy and expensive. Mediation, however, is more cost-effective and is designed to help reach resolutions quicker.
While some mediation cases can take several hours or even several sessions to reach a place where both parties can talk productively and find a solution, it is still generally significantly quicker than litigation which can take months to even reach the courtroom let alone a resolution.
Quick resolutions also mean more cost savings for your family, so you can spend that money on moving forward and making new memories with your children. Additionally, lengthy litigation can take a toll on your and your children’s mental health as it drags out the conflict and leaves things unresolved for longer.
Flexible Methods
Mediation services can be tailored to suit your situation and needs. We understand that parents and families have different schedules and availability, so we work to create a plan that works for all parties.
Mediation can occur face-to-face in one of our offices, over the phone or even by shuttle where we deliver messages between the parties. Your mediation methods may change or evolve with progress. For example, our goal is to foster direct communication, so we aim to transition from shuttle where possible to a more direct method.
Self-Guided
Family dispute resolution is designed to be led by the parties involved. We want you to reach a mutually beneficial agreement in the smoothest way possible. Our goal is not to guide towards any set solution, we are simply there to support both parties in communicating their perspectives and negotiating respectfully.
We give you the power to guide the conversations and find solutions that all parties can agree on. Every family is unique and will reach different resolutions. As long as the children involved are safe and both parties are satisfied, there are no right or wrong solutions.
Improved Communication and Relationships
Mediation can also help in fostering healthier communication and relationships between co-parents. When both parties can communicate with each other respectfully and clearly, things will flow smoothly.
Being able to have civil conversations and get on the same page, even after separation, is important as you will likely continue to have a relationship with your co-parent for your children’s benefit. Through mediation, many parents reach a mutual agreement about how to raise their children and when they each get visitation and custody. This fosters happier and healthier relationships all around.
When to Consider Mediation
If you find yourself in the middle of a family dispute and unable to reach an agreement, it may be time to consider mediation services. Separations can be stressful, especially if you didn’t part on amicable terms. This can lead to tense conversations or cut off communication altogether.
In these situations, it’s best to contact a Family Dispute Resolution practitioner for tailored advice and solutions. This impartial third party can help to improve conversations and foster a respectful relationship that ensures smooth parenting for the children involved.
Manage Family Disputes Smoothly with Mediation First
If you’re caught in the middle of an endless family dispute with no resolution in sight, consider mediation. In some situations, you may still find litigation is necessary, however, we believe that mediation is a good place to start.
Our experienced Family Dispute Resolution practitioners at Richard Zande & Associates can help provide tailored advice and mediation services to help you and your co-parent reach mutually beneficial solutions.