For the readers of this article, it is important to first know what mediation is and how it can be beneficial to parties that have a conflict that needs to be resolved. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution that involves having a neutral party called a mediator discuss options for resolution of the dispute with the parties involved. Mediation allows the parties involved to determine whether or not they wish to have their attorneys present during the mediation sessions. When mediation occurs without the parties attorneys present, it is called private mediation. (Sorkin and Sorkin)
For family law cases private mediation is available for several different conflicts including but not limited to custody, child or spousal support, divorce or other types of separation, distribution of resources, and allocation of debt.(Mediation in family law cases, mediation of family law cases) Private mediation will assist the parties involved in the dispute to better their communication and negotiation skills, work on identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving, and explore settlement alternatives. (The Mediation Process, FAQS) Private mediation for family law cases also helps children involved so that they don’t have to take sides or feel that they are caught in the middle of the dispute. (FAQS)
Private mediation for family law cases requires both of the parties involved to cooperate in the mediation process. It begins with an orientation so that the parties can get to know their mediator and set up a schedule, then there is a financial inventory of the parties financial resources and assets that may be involved in the following resolution of the conflict, and then the mediation sessions begin to focus on the problems between the parties and how to go about resolving them. The issues that the parties have are prioritized and addressed so that the parties and the mediator can focus on what is most important first. The mediation sessions can last from 3-6 hours, depending upon the complexity of the issues that are addressed in that specific session. (Sorkin and Sorkin) Private mediation for family law cases also helps the parties involved in the dispute to salvage or retain their relationship so that in the future they can work together and resolve future disputes on their own.
The mediators that generally work with family law cases are specifically trained as licensed social workers and psychologists as well as attorneys in order to better assist the parties involved in coming to a beneficial resolution for both parties. (Mediation of Family Law Cases) The cost of private mediation for family law cases varies on the case and the financial situation of the parties involved. There are programs available for free or reduced costs of mediation services, though the cost is much less than a court case would be.(Mediation of Family Law Cases) Depending upon the type of case that the parties involved need resolved will decide what type of mediation should be considered for their specific case. For more information on private mediation or mediation in general, call us or email us today!