Due to the unstable nature of the times in which we find ourselves, the process of divorce and separation has become even more daunting. In the end, however, the majority of spouses want the process to be peaceful, respectful, and focused on what is best for any children who may be involved in the family. At this point, we would suggest to try to resolve this through Mediation Bristol.
Family Mediation Week, which took place last week, is an annual opportunity for mediators to spread knowledge of a procedure that encourages and makes it possible for families to find their own answers in a productive way with the goal of maintaining their co-parenting ties.
When things were “normal,” the Mediation process would include in-person meetings:
This is no longer the case, our sessions:
- Check for any potential safety concerns and confirm that mediation Bristol is the best line of action for all parties;
- To manage the conversations effectively, gain a knowledge of the issues at hand and what the parties want from the mediator.
- Following that, both parties will participate in mediation Bristol sessions with the mediator.
- You create your own schedules.
- Share your thoughts and concerns with each other.
- Get your imagination going and come up with ways to organise everything that is of concern that will work for both parties
The emphasis is placed on working together to find solutions to problems. Couples are more invested in the decisions they have made individually, increasing the possibility that these decisions will be successful in the long run.
Prenups, independent couples, co-parenting, and other forms of alternative family structures are all possible subjects to bring up throughout the Mediation Bristol process. Family Mediation Bristol is not just for married couples going through a divorce. It is suitable to use right away with married couples who are thinking about divorcing but have not made their decision yet. The mediation creates a friendly atmosphere and offers a platform for talking about a variety of issues, including how to inform the children that their parents are separating.
The majority of households are now operating in survival mode; nevertheless, Mediation Bristol can provide struggling couples with the time and space to think about and discuss their alternatives. It is a customised approach, which means that the parties decide the pace, and sessions may be planned around other responsibilities, like as work or caring for children.
The epidemic has unavoidably resulted in the need for Mediation Bristol to take place online, which has its own set of difficulties and possibilities. We frequently use the phrase “remote Mediation” but this isn’t really the appropriate word, particularly in light of the fact that some couples mediate when both of them are still living and working under the same roof.
It goes without saying that it is of the utmost importance to have a conversation about the specifics as soon as possible – this will guarantee that everybody is secure and feels at ease with the method and the technology. The function of the mediator is to make sure that the conversations that take place in a private setting are balanced. During the meetings, each party will be requested to take precautions to ensure that they cannot be overheard, particularly by any children who may be present.
Over the course of the previous year, every family has created their own set of distinctive coping skills, and the same can be said for online Mediation Bristol. The mediators are thinking imaginatively about methods to help couples, such as doing sessions early in the morning or late in the evening, after the children have gone to bed; or, if required, having one partner log on from the office or car to allow for some solitude. The mediators are also considerably more aware of what occurs between sessions, when the camera and audio have been turned off, after the session has concluded.
Although it is not the best option, some people find that mediating a dispute online is considerably less overwhelming than physically meeting with the other party in person. They are able to participate while sitting in their own kitchen, sipping tea and wearing slippers. People tend to be more gracious while using video calling software since we are required to wait for the other person to finish their phrase before “handing over” the “microphone.” In order to prevent “screen fatigue,” online sessions are shorter; nonetheless, in our experience, this may lead to more productivity.
Throughout the course of the epidemic, co-mediation has gained a lot of popularity. This requires the participation of two mediators, who collaborate with one another to oversee the conversations. It is extremely helpful to have an other set of eyes and ears to monitor and evaluate responses, as well as an additional set of hands to assist with the distribution of paperwork, scheduling, and the verification that everyone is on the same page (sometimes literally).
The job of the mediator is to steer the conversations in the right direction and devise an approach that is unique to each couple. This often necessitates the involvement of other experienced specialists, such as the following examples:
- Therapeuts who work with families can be of use in enhancing communication and contemplation;
- It is possible to ask child-inclusive mediators to talk to children about their desires and emotions so that children may also have a say in the process (typically, this option is only available for children older than 10 years old);
- A financial consultant may give information about the many choices for settling the dispute and ensuring that both parties have a solid understanding of their respective financial situations.
- It is possible to contact legal advice or private judges for their opinions on the way that a court would take toward certain issues of contention, which may be especially helpful for breaking a deadlock;
- It is also possible to include the parties’ Solicitors in the conversation in order to provide support for their customers.
There are some situations in which Mediation Bristol is not the best course of action. It is without a doubt not suitable for any families that have a requirement for the “safety pathway” that was included in the suggestions in the most recent Family Solutions Group Report. On the other hand, for some people it may be an efficient and low-cost method that enables couples to make decisions that are beneficial for their families while remaining in the convenience of their own homes.
The process of Mediation may be intimidating; it requires bravery and patience; but, it provides something that has been in short supply throughout the course of the past year: optimism and hope for the future.