Separation or divorce is never within the contemplation of married couples, at least not when they took their marital vows. But when issues arise and parties have to go their separate ways, it is usually a very stressful time for everyone involved, especially the children. Emotions run wild triggered by bitterness, resentment, shock, anger, betrayal, pain, sense of loss, failure, etc. The truth is, marital disputes need not always be rancorous. Couples who are going through separation or divorce can have a healthy conversation about their interests, and explore possible solutions which encourage mutual understanding and amicable resolution.
This is why family mediation is an essential tool for reconciliation or resolution of marital disputes. It assists parties to be reconciled or work out ways of moving on with their lives.
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, usually a trained mediator, assists separating or divorcing couples to resolve their disputes relating to parenting, child custody, child support, visitation rights, property division, and other issues related to their separation or divorce.
The goal of family mediation is to help couples reach a mutually acceptable agreement that best serves the interests of all involved parties, particularly the children. The Mediator helps parties to identify, with clarity, issues that have strained the relationship between them and find a way of helping them resolve them.
It is worth mentioning here that family disputes are not limited to just spouses. It may be between other family members over issues such as inheritance, guardianship, etc
Impact of Mediation On Children
Family mediation can have both positive and negative impacts on children. On the one hand, if successful, family mediation can reduce the level of conflict between parents, which can have positive impacts on children’s emotional and mental well-being. Children who witness prolonged, high-conflict disputes between their parents may develop anxiety, depression, or behavioural problems. By reducing conflict, family mediation can help parents to create a more stable and predictable environment for their children, which can provide them with a sense of security and safety.
On the other hand, family mediation may not always be successful, and children may be negatively impacted if their parents are unable to resolve their disputes. Children may feel caught between their parents and have to deal with ongoing conflict, which can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration. Moreover, in some instances, family mediation may not result in an agreement that is in the best interests of the children, which could lead to negative outcomes.
Despite the potential drawbacks, family mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes related to separation and divorce. Research suggests that children whose parents went through mediation were better adjusted, and had fewer behavioural problems than those whose parents did not undergo mediation. Therefore, overall, it is a helpful process when conducted properly.