What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation refers to a wide spectrum of services available to families in need of conflict resolution. There are many situations in which the services of a mediator can be helpful. Updating parenting schedules post divorce is one such situation that immediately comes to mind. Family mediation also provides the older, but unemancipated, children of divorcing parents the chance to discuss their suggestions for shared parenting and living arrangements.
Arranging care for and support of aging parents is another very emotional and difficult issue for many families. Working with a mediator provides each of the family members the opportunity to voice his/her concerns. The mediator can also facilitate a conversation to help the family develop plans and strategies to handle the logistics and the decision making process regarding care for their loved ones.
Some families might also appreciate the help of a mediator when it comes time to distribute some of the personal property of a deceased relative. While the will stipulates how the property and financial assets will be divided among the heirs, there are often personal items of great sentimental value that many family members would like to own as a keepsake. When several members of the family attach great value to the same article, the mediator can help the family devise a plan that meets each person’s needs.
The services of a family mediator can be particularly useful when family members have moved out of the area but are still very involved in the care of aged relatives or other issues facing the family. Many mediators will create a virtual meeting, or some other form of technology to allow all of the stakeholders to be present at the facilitated discussion, allowing each interested person the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process.