Rules

Of Mediation

Family conflicts can be stressful and emotionally draining, especially when it comes to legal issues such as separation, divorce, child custody, or financial settlements.

The good news is that family mediation provides a confidential and cost-effective way to resolve disputes and make decisions that work for all parties. In the UK, family mediation is governed by specific rules and principles that ensure a fair and respectful process.

Here, we will explore the main guidelines and principles of family mediation in the UK, and how they can benefit families going through difficult times.

What is family mediation?

Family Mediation

Family mediation is a voluntary process that helps separating or divorcing couples, or other family members, to reach agreements on practical issues such as parenting arrangements, property division, or finances.

A trained and impartial mediator facilitates the communication between the parties and helps them to explore their concerns and interests, find common ground, and come up with mutually satisfactory solutions.

Mediation is usually less formal and stressful than court proceedings, and it can save time, money, and emotional distress.

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Key principles of family mediation in the UK

Family mediation in the UK follows certain principles and values that ensure a fair and respectful process for all parties involved. Some of the main principles include:

– Voluntary and informed participation: mediation is a voluntary process, and all parties must agree to participate without coercion or pressure. Participants should also receive adequate information about the mediation process, their legal rights and duties, and the role of the mediator.
– Confidentiality and neutrality: mediation sessions are confidential, and anything said or disclosed during the process cannot be used in court or shared with third parties without permission. The mediator must also remain neutral and impartial, and not take sides or give legal advice.
– Empowerment and self-determination: mediation aims to empower the parties to make their own decisions and find solutions that work for them, without being imposed by external factors or authorities.
– Child-centeredness: if the dispute involves children, their best interests should be the central focus of the mediation. The parties should also consider the children’s wishes and feelings, if appropriate.

Rules and protocols of family mediation in the UK

In addition to the principles, family mediation in the UK follows certain rules and protocols that ensure consistency and quality of practice. Some of the main rules include:

– Accreditation and training: mediators in the UK must be trained and accredited by approved organizations, and adhere to professional codes of conduct and ethics.
– Preparation and documentation: before starting the mediation, the parties must prepare and exchange relevant documents and information, such as financial records or parenting plans. The mediator may also provide a written agreement or summary of the decisions reached during the mediation.
– Safety and risk assessment: mediators must conduct a preliminary assessment of any safety or risk concerns, especially if there is a history of domestic violence or abuse.
– Referral and follow-up: family mediation may be initiated by the parties themselves, or by their lawyers, courts, or other agencies. After the mediation, the parties may need further support or follow-up services.

Benefits and outcomes of family mediation

Family mediation can offer numerous benefits and outcomes for all parties involved, such as:

A quicker and less expensive resolution than court proceedings.
A more flexible and creative agreement tailored to the parties' needs and interests.
A higher level of satisfaction and compliance with the agreement, as it is self-generated and mutually agreed.
Better communication and cooperation between the parties, which can reduce future conflicts.
A less adversarial and traumatizing process, especially for children.
A more positive and dignified transition to a new phase of life.

Embracing the Principles of Family Mediation

Family mediation is a valuable and empowering process that can help families to navigate through difficult times and find solutions that work for everyone. By understanding the principles and guidelines of family mediation in the UK, families can make informed decisions and engage in a respectful and effective dialogue, with the help of trained and impartial mediators.

At Lakes Mediation, we are committed to delivering a high-quality and confidential family mediation service that meets the individual needs of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation Clients

It makes many parents conscious that how much they have to pay for the child maintenance. It also makes some questions about who will take an active part in the day to day life of the child. It is important to reach a mutual consent so that there are no disputes.

We help the parents to reach that mutual consent very quickly as the mediators we have been very experienced in handling tougher situations. There are many provisions in the law which are enforceable when the parents have promised or given in written to do a certain support for the child.

The mediators we have a specially trained in such area. We just have to contact us to carry out the process easily.