5 advantages of seeking family mediation for your divorce
5 advantages of seeking family mediation for your divorce
The process of family mediation presents a variety of advantages over more conventional forms of divorce, which are conducted through the court system. Households that are separating are generally encouraged to try negotiations and family mediation before filing for parenting orders through the courts. If you are currently going through a bitter, unforgiving divorce and feel like the process is just going nowhere, then consider alternative methods of getting through your separation. Indeed, family mediation has many great benefits attached to it, so if you’re considering it as a viable option, read on to find out more.
Lower cost
Hiring a professional solicitor or lawyer can be incredibly expensive. A conventional lawyer can charge you via three distinct methods:
- A fixed amount
- Hourly charges
- No win, no fee
Naturally, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Being charged on an hourly basis can lead to a hefty legal fee, whereas the disadvantages associated with a “no win, no fee” policy are self-explanatory. Thankfully, hiring a family law mediation practitioner is a much cheaper option. This is because most providers and venues will provide free consultations and preliminary hours for no charge. It’s certainly a far cheaper option than going to court for your divorce and your solicitor’s involvement can be reduced.
Flexibility when it comes to location
There is a greater deal of flexibility when it comes organising a location for your family mediation services. Indeed, your negotiator can find a suitable venue that appeases both parties, in terms of travelling time and overall convenience. You may have to compromise slightly, however, the cost-saving advantages make it worthwhile.
Moreover, even if you cannot make it to the venue, there are other options. You can link up with your partner and the negotiator via a telephone conference or through a Skype video chat. However, this is generally only applied to situations where there are safety concerns or unavoidable problems regarding transportation.
No bias or prejudice
Furthermore, hiring a neutral provider negotiation services ensures that the proceedings are fair, just and equitable. The provider must be a neutral, independent party, which ascertains that they don’t take sides because they have no vested interest in the case or matter. Their primary role is to facilitate engagement between both parties, encouraging both individuals to share information and discuss the issues with a greater level of depth and clarity. This is the best way to move forward towards a solution, especially if domestic violence has been a factor, where prejudice could be influence the outcome.
Shorter time frame
On average, your family mediation process will likely be done and dusted at a much quicker rate than if you went through the courts. In fact, your issues could be resolved in a matter of days, compared to messy divorces can sometimes take months or even years when going through the courts system.
However, some issues are deep-rooted and complicated, which can draw out the proceedings. Having said this, if both members make the interests of the children their priority, the whole process can be completed at a much faster rate. Creating workable and fair parenting agreements is a core component of moving through your divorce proceedings with greater clarity and efficiency.
Confidentiality
Finally, another benefit of organising a family mediation service is that they are inherently confidential. Everything you say to a practitioner or dispute resolution agent is confidential and kept secret. Naturally, there are some exceptions to this rule. If someone’s life is threatened or if a crime has been committed, then the arbitrator must inform the relevant authorities of all the necessary important information.
Conclusion
Hence, family mediation is a great alternative to conventional divorce proceedings through the courts. Hire a lawyer trained in negotiation protocols, look for a neutral arbitrator and ensure that your divorce is completed in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.