When Is Family Mediation Appropriate in Scotland?
As Family Mediation Week comes to a close, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on the benefits that family mediation can offer separating couples and families across Scotland.
When a relationship breaks down, understanding your options is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. For many people, family mediation provides a constructive and effective alternative to going to court, helping resolve arrangements for children and finances in a more collaborative way.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process that allows you and your former partner to meet with a neutral, professionally trained family mediator to discuss and resolve the practical issues arising from separation.
The mediator is an experienced family law solicitor who does not take sides or impose decisions. Instead, their role is to facilitate open and structured discussions, helping both parties work through matters such as child arrangements, financial issues and future planning in a safe and supported environment.
What are the Benefits of Family Mediation
Family mediation offers a number of advantages when compared to court proceedings:
You Stay in Control
In litigation a Sheriff will make an order that often neither party will be entirely happy with. Mediation however allows you and your ex partner to make the decisions about your family’s future.
A More Affordable Option
Separating can place significant financial pressure on families. Mediation usually works on the basis that the costs of the process are shared by both parties which can be more cost effective than each party having to fund separate legal representation in lengthy court proceedings
Faster Resolution
Most mediation processes are completed in three to five sessions, resolving pertinent issues in weeks or months rather than years that court proceedings can often take to reach a final resolution.
A Private & Confidential Process
Unlike court proceedings, mediation is entirely confidential. This allows for more open and honest discussion. Conversations cannot be used in any future court proceedings.
Less stressful & More Supportive
Mediation is usually in a more informal setting which creates a less adversarial atmosphere than court. It can help to reduce the level of emotional strain and offers an ability for separating parties to open up without feeling judged.
Mediation is an entirely voluntary process and you can withdraw at any time if it is not working for you. For many couples, it is a cost effective, timely and less stressful way to agree on issues relating to divorce and separation. It is often seen as an alternative to court.
Speak to an Accredited Family Mediator in Scotland
Evelyn Wallace is a Senior Associate and an accredited Family Mediator in Scotland, recognised by the Law Society of Scotland. She is also a member of CALM Scotland and has extensive experience supporting clients through separation, child arrangements and financial discussions.
If you would like to learn more about family mediation or discuss whether it may be suitable for your circumstances, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Evelyn Wallace, Senior Associate
