Family mediation is a part of the alternative dispute resolution area. It is an essential pillar in global mediation services. People have not been able to trace the origin of this process historically. However, it has grown across different forms into several cultures and has been a practice for a number of years.
The process of family mediation is to help families in dispute resolve their dispute. For example, divorce dispute resolution is a significant part of the tree of services.
Classification of family mediation
Generally, family mediation is categorized into two fields, namely mediation, and co-mediation. In the first, one mediator helps the parties in their times of dispute, while there may be more than one mediator in the co-mediator. These are solved by the use of single or joint caucuses.
For single caucuses, it is one party at a time. Joint caucuses make the mediator work with every side to a dispute present in a similar session. Most disputes always come with two sides. Although, having issues between siblings may involve more than two parties.
What are the processes?
The same principles of family mediation work when it involves relatives. They are;
Voluntariness shows that two people are ready to discuss the issue they have at hand. This is the first stage as it shows the readiness of both parties that are involved. Also, their willingness makes the task easier for the mediator because he can be sure that they are ready to talk.
The family mediation expert can set questions that will make the parties open up. Voluntariness leads to the next stage, transparency.
Transparency is as essential as voluntariness. There is no point when two people are ready to talk or settle issues, but there is no transparency. Transparency helps to move faster; each party recognizes their faults, and everyone can apologize and move forward.
There is no need for anyone to be shady at this stage since a solution is imminent. Also, the process is non-confrontational. Instead, both parties can pay attention to the problem and provide solutions to the problem. There is zero concern about the existing problem.
- Mutual respect
Mutual respect is vital at this stage; both parties must respect each other. No matter what any party divulges during the process, it is to reach a resolution. There should be no throwing of tantrums or insults.
The truth is that the process can be centred around their child. It could be more emotional, but there must be a general consensus in family mediation. The parties must create reasonable provisions for their children’s needs.
Family mediation is practised all over the world. There are organizations in the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Italy, and other areas of the world that offer this service. It is a good solution and has helped solve several issues rather than charge people to court. Since it is non-confrontational, setting this type of dispute resolution up does not cost much.