If you and your spouse (or ex-spouse) are having trouble reaching an agreement on family issues, family mediation may be a smart solution. This process allows you to communicate your side of the argument in a safe, organized discussion while a mediator facilitates the conversation and helps you reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
How does family mediation in British Columbia work? Examine the following five advantages to see whether this conflict resolution method may be suitable for your situation.
1. A Trained Mediator Facilitates the Discussion
Having discussions with your spouse about child custody or support can feel like a hamster spinning endlessly on a wheel. However, with a neutral facilitator guiding the discussion, you gain the support and guidance to achieve progress in your conflict resolution.
Mediators do not make decisions for you. Instead, they invite you and your spouse to fully explore the options available to you and work toward a compromise.
Whereas your goal in a discussion with your spouse may be for them to agree with you, the mediator’s goal is to resolve the conflict. They will help keep the conversation on track toward this objective and remind you that a compromise may be necessary.
2. Mediation Lets You Share Your Side Without Interruption
Family mediation in British Columbia works by giving you and your spouse time to individually share your side of the argument without interruption. Depending on how the discussion goes, the mediator may meet with each of you separately to hear your ideas and concerns, then bring you together for dispute resolution.
You won’t have to worry about your spouse interjecting with comments or dismissing your opinions. You will have the freedom to share your side and the confidence that your spouse hears you.
3. You Can Start the Process Whenever You Want
Some divorcing couples assume they should spend at least a few months duelling it out on their own before enlisting a mediator’s help. In reality, you can begin mediation whenever you want — and the sooner, the better.
Family mediation in British Columbia could save you a significant amount of time in the divorce process. If you feel wary about working out issues on your own, don’t hesitate to schedule mediation now.
4. Family Mediation Helps Resolve Common and Unconventional Family Issues
Divorcing couples often use mediation to help create a parenting plan or settlement agreement. But this process may also be helpful in some unconventional family issues, such as:
- Resolving a disagreement between a parent and their child or teen
- Reaching reproductive decisions
- Negotiating a relationship with a sperm donor or surrogate
- Involving a significant other or grandparent in a child’s life
5. There Are Times When Mediation May Not Be Appropriate
The family mediation process may begin with a screening where the mediator assesses for power imbalances or domestic violence in the relationship. If these are present, they may not want to continue the mediation.
Mediation may not be appropriate for cases involving abuse or manipulation. The manipulator may use this time to “win over” the mediator or exert more power over their spouse. In these cases, it makes more sense to allow the court to make unbiased decisions about the family unit with knowledge of the abuse in mind.
Contact Pier Law & Mediation Today
Want to learn more about how family mediation in British Columbia works? Our trained, professional mediators are happy to explain the process and advise whether it may benefit your situation. Contact Pier Law & Mediation today at 604-560-8285 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
