In this article, we’re looking at how mediation can help support co-parenting strategies in the UK. 

While most parents want the best for their children, many will disagree on what that is. Following a divorce or separation, more and more people in the South West are seeking Bristol family mediation as they are unable to reach an agreement between them on issues relating to child custody. 

In this article, we’re explaining how mediation can help support co-parent strategies. 

What is Mediation?

This term refers to the appointment of a third party who is hired as a go-between the couple when a resolution has not been found. Commonly used during divorce and child custody processes, a mediator will work with both parties – either together or separately – to try to find a mutually agreeable solution. 

As a rough guide, mediation costs around £140 per hour per person, but in some cases you may be eligible for government assistance with these costs. While there may be some fees involved, mediation will generally be a lot more cost effective than racking up solicitors’ fees when you can’t reach an agreement. 

How Mediation Can Help Support Co-Parenting Strategies

There are a few ways in which mediation can help with untangling co-parenting issues and we’re going to take a look at some of these in this section: 

Making Each Other’s Voices Heard

If a relationship has ended badly, the couple may find it difficult to spend time in each other’s presence, let alone sit down for long enough to find a mutually agreeable solution. Tempers will fray as emotions are running high and attempts at conversation will sometimes just make matters worse. 

A mediator can help as they will act as a kind of referee between the couple – making sure that each gets to speak uninterrupted in order to make their feelings known. If it’s simply not possible for the two parties to spend time together in the same room, most mediators will agree to see you and your former partner individually. 

Providing a New Perspective 

In a lot of cases, both parties are so focused on the end result that they’re unable to see any other way of doing things in terms of parenting. A mediator can help by suggesting alternatives and compromises which the couple may not have previously thought of and which may help them to work toward a workable solution. 

A mediator will also be able to remind the couple of the single most important factor in all of this – the children. By encouraging both parties to look at things from the perspective of the kids, one or both may become more receptive to being flexible with their demands. This is important for avoiding a stalemate during which nothing will be resolved. 

How to Find a Mediator in the UK

If you and your former partner are agreed that mediation may help, then there are a couple of ways in which you can find the best professional for your needs, including: 

Internet Search

Searching for an appropriate mediator online in your local area is one of the fastest ways of finding the right person for the job. While this is quick and easy, always make sure that you do your research to make sure they’re qualified and have positive reviews. 

Solicitor Referral

If you’re going through a divorce, you will both, in most cases, be using the services of a family solicitor. In this case, your solicitor will usually be able to recommend an appropriate mediator for you – and will often actively encourage this. 

If you’re not already in contact with a family solicitor, you can find one through either an internet search or on your local council’s website. Alternatively, you may have friends or family who have been through the process and who may be able to recommend a reputable professional in your local area.

Finding a way forward…

When going through a separation where children are involved, life can be extremely stressful and we’ll often lose a vital sense of perspective, leading to a case of tunnel vision. This can have a really negative impact on you, your former partner and your children. 

Mediation can really help by helping both parties to look at the bigger picture and to work together toward an amicable solution. 

It’s therefore important to embark on mediation with an open mind and a willingness to compromise – as well as a willingness to listen – as without this, you may just find yourself back at square one. 

Having said that, your feelings are of course important and relevant and so you should gather as much tangible evidence as you can in order to back up your arguments.