Other forms of family mediation

More and more people are turning to mediation as a way to resolve disputes.

It has long been recognised that Family Mediation is a quicker and cheaper method for resolving family disputes between separating couples. In recent months this has been recognised by Government and the Judiciary and more people are being encouraged to mediate.

When decisions are made regarding the family finances, property and children an informed decision is far more likely to be successful and remain intact if it is made by the parties themselves, through the process of mediation, rather than being imposed by a court. Good communication is crucial in mediation and this will enable partners/former partners and parents to communicate in the future. This may not be the case when entrenched positions have been established through protracted litigation. The benefits of mediation live on long after the mediation process has finished.

The FMA believe that Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) must be made available to assist in all kinds of disputes including the most complex and entrenched. FMA mediators have developed a number of mediation models and will use the most appropriate to your dispute.

The following are examples of different forms of family mediation:

• Sole mediation – one mediator
• Co-mediation – two mediators
• Anchor Mediation – where a second mediator may assist from time to time
• Shuttle mediation – no face to face communication between you and your partner/former partner. You each remain in separate rooms and the mediator “shuttles” between you.
• Caucus mediation – each party has a lawyer and the mediator sees each party and their lawyer in turn.
• Hybrid mediation for cases which straddle the family and civil jurisdiction for example co-habitation and inheritance disputes
• Court referred mediation
• Direct consultation with children
• Cross border/international/cross-cultural processes

What about collaborative law?