Is Mediation the Way Forward?

New legislation which requires couples to attend mediation before settling divorce disputes in court will come into effect in April 2012. Through mediation, separating couples can often make future arrangements amicably by working through issues with a qualified mediator as opposed to thrashing out settlements with lawyers and a judge.

According to a Ministry of Justice review, the number of publicly funded mediations rose year on year from approximately 400 in 1997 to over 14,300 in 2009, and is still rising. So how can mediation benefit you when you are considering resolving your differences in court?

Mediation is seen as a much quicker, cheaper option for couples who wish to separate. They can talk through their differences with the help of an impartial facilitator, making them  more likely to listen to one another and communicate better. It is not as costly as going to court, and research published by the Ministry of Justice shows that people who use mediation first are more likely to carry on using it.

Mediation can also be a much better option if children are involved, as the court process can seem like an intimidating process for them.  Parents may also focus too much on any  anger or resentment they may feel towards their ex-partner, which can make them lose sight of what is best for their children.

Most parents can resolve separation issues themselves, rather than put them in the hands of lawyers and a judge. And with the help of a mediator, parents can get the skills they need to work out what is best for their children immediately and in the future.

Separation doesn’t have to be a battlefield, and remember, children will still love both their parents regardless of how they feel about each other. It’s a good idea to consider mediation as a way to talk it out, rather than fight it out in a courtroom, which can have a severe effect on the whole family.

Do you think mediation is the best option when a couple is separating? Or do you think some couples will never see eye to eye?