When there is a conflict between two parties and nothing can be resolved by themselves, then a mediator comes into action which tries to communicate between the two and tries to solve the problem. We can do this in one meeting room, separate meeting rooms or even by skype/facetime/what app etc
We would assess the most safest method for everyone and for medation to have the best chance to work.
The entire mediation process has several stages. Initially, the mediator talks with respective parties separately collect all the necessary information, assess them and then agrees mediation can proceed.
This is called a MIAMS mediation assessment meeting.
Then there remains two options – either a face to face mediation (often called as direct mediation also) or shuttle mediation (indirect).
Based on the nature of both parties, this is decided whether face to face or shuttle mediation will be adopted.
Face to face mediation always takes place in a neutral venue so that both can meet at that location. Both parties come with their agendas and face to face mediation is the ideal solution to sort out any differences.
This is the ideal scenario when both parties sit together and discuss their issues in a single room with a mediator present.
In extreme cases where a face to face mediation might lead to shuffling or something else, shuttle mediation is the only choice as that family mediation is hard to carry forward.
So the mediator has to take a lot of responsibilities to execute such things. Being the neutral person, he must provide a safe environment to both parties.
When there is no scope of face to face mediation, or it has been failed after several attempts, then a shuttle mediation can be performed and if the circumstances forces for such, then there is no other option but to hold a shuttle mediation.
It is often asked, which one is better a face to face or shuttle mediation and the answer lies in the context of both the parties. If the situation between two parties is such that any violence broke out recently or too much emotion is present that can stop taking any decision, then shuttle mediation is the only way left for the mediator.
In this case, both parties sit in the different room unlike in the face to face mediation and mediator is responsible for communicating between both the parties.
Finally, it can be summed up that a shuttle mediation often takes more time than face to face one and can be a bit expensive also.
But, if the process can be done even using shuttle mediation, that too will be cheaper than going to Solicitors or court.
We aim to provide you with the mediation that works for you and creates a safe environment for everyone involved in the process.
For any sort of family mediation whether face to face or shuttle mediation, you can call us on Contact us for Family Mediation – 03300 101 354
General information about Mediation, Please click the links below to find out more info:
Family’s are deeply affected by divorce or separation, especially when there are children in the family. Often these painful situations can be helped with the aid of a mediator who will hold a Mediation Intake Assessment Meeting or MIAM. MIAMs can soothe ruffled feelings and ensure that communal assets are divided equally, make sure that financial obligations of both parents are laid out and help to make the break as easy as possible for all the members of the family.
When attending a court proceeding on the matter, the family will need to present an FM1 (Family Mediation 1 form) which confirms that a MIAM has been held.
As of April 2014, significant changes were made to the judicial system regarding separation and divorces, particularly where children were involved. These changes ensure that the welfare of the children is paramount, with minimal impact on the children and as little negativity as possible. One of the major changes was a requirement for a mediation session or MIAM to be attended before any court proceedings to do with financial or custody matters (hence the need for a FM1 to be produced).
If the split is acrimonious and both parties find it difficult to be in the same room, as would happen with face to face mediation, it is possible to ask for shuttle mediation.
Shuttle sessions happen when the two parties are seated in separate rooms and the mediator shuttles between the two, discussing issues and offering solutions.
Shuttle mediation is often a good solution with distance between the parties allowing for rational and reasoned thinking.
Mediation sessions are now a legal requirement, and your ex’s lawyer will make this clear to him or her.
Offering shuttle mediation, in which they will not have to share a room while coming to an agreement, is sometimes a way to make the thought of mediation more palatable.
Mediators can also help with will disputes: resolving issues between heirs and coming to an acceptable compromise in the event that the will is ambiguous or unclearly worded.
