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Family Mediation Cheltenham and Worcester has become an increasingly popular form of dispute resolution, as an effective alternative to the expense, length and unpredictability of litigation. This article looks at these two forms of dispute resolution, and their relative advantages and disadvantages.

What is family mediation?

Family mediation can either be seen as a process, a step removed from litigation, or one applied in conjunction with it. Disputing parties enter into discussion of unresolved issues in a process overseen by a neutral third party, to achieve negotiated outcomes agreeable to both parties. The mediator directs the discussion neutrally, acting as an impartial facilitator.

If you are intending to enter into mediation, it is important to enter into a pre-mediation contract. This ensures ongoing mediation is non-binding until a final agreement has been signed, and that mediation is conducted in good faith, with issues discussed remaining confidential until final agreement.

The benefits of mediation over litigation

Family mediation in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire brings together disputing parties in a calm, non-confrontational environment overseen by the mediator. Within this environment, parties are able to fully engage with each other, presenting their position and listening to the opposing one. The aim is to reach a settlement that satisfies both parties, as a result of each party being open about their own needs and feelings, and attempting to understand those of the other. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and less confrontational, than the third party adversarial positions generally adopted by legal teams.

Comparison of costs

Because all parties are brought together in one room and encouraged to reach mutual understanding, mediation tends to be a lot swifter and less expensive than traditional legal proceedings. Mediation can often resolve disputes in a single session, whereas legal proceedings may drag on for months. As a result, costs are generally a fraction of those incurred during litigation.

Additionally, a judge’s decision is purely fact based, and therefore litigation tends to involve a lot of background research to ascertain the full facts of every dispute, which adds further to both the timeframe and potential cost of legal proceedings.

It is worth bearing in mind however that, in certain circumstances where no satisfactory outcome is achieved and parties are forced to return to litigation, mediation can add to your costs. The majority of mediations do achieve successful outcomes, with CEDR surveys suggesting almost seventy percent of disputes are resolved on the same day, and almost ninety percent shortly afterwards, but this still leaves ten percent of cases unresolved.

Future relationships

 One of the most fundamental benefits of entering into mediation over litigation is that it allows disputing parties to enter into a full and frank discussion of their dispute, to listen to each other and find mutually agreeable solutions. In contrast to the adversarial nature of court proceedings, this allows both sides to take ownership of decisions arrived at, as a stepping stone to a more amicable future relationship. This is especially important where children are involved, and can be a first step to healing destructive divisions.

For more information on alternative dispute resolution in Cheltenham, Worcester and surrounding areas, or to discuss the services we provide, contact us today.