Family Mediation

Family Mediation is a voluntary, confidential and consensual process for the resolution of family issues between two or more people. It is facilitated by a neutral and independent third party (the mediator) who is trained in mediation.

Mediation has many advantages over court proceedings. It involves the two parties committing themselves to attempting to resolve their family difficulties through discussion and without the imposition of a solution by a court or other third party. It is private and confidential. It can be accessed quickly. It is collaborative. It is empowering because it encourages the parties to find their own solutions, rather than turn to a court or other third party for a solution. It is personalised; that is, the issues are specifically designed and formulated to meet the needs of the specific family, and the mediation proceeds at the pace required by the parties. It can involve children directly; Child inclusive mediation is developing quickly and recognises the central role that children play when decisions are being made about their lives.

Where there are issues between the parties that mean that they do not feel able to meet face to face, the mediation can be conducted remotely or in ‘shuttle’ format with the mediator speaking separately to the parties concerned. It is possible for mediation to involve lawyers directly in a hybrid or ‘lawyer-assisted’ arrangement. The parties are able to choose a mediator who meets the needs of the particular circumstances. The parties remain in overall control both of the process and of their personal and family lives. The parties remain in control of the expense; in litigation, all too often, the costs run away with the parties as they get entrenched in the litigation. It can be adapted to meet most disabilities or any specific cultural, ethnic or diversity issues that may be involved. It can take place at a time and location that are chosen by the people concerned.

At 3PB we have range of mediators that are available to work with couples, and their lawyers (if asked), to help them resolve the full range of Family issues that arise following separation. We also have facilities for mediation, including shuttle mediation, to take place in all major legal centres and can travel to any location in the country to mediate.