The advantages of family mediation Bristol are numerous, ranging from time, money, and stress savings to a more amiable relationship with one's former partner following divorce.

But there are many more - here are eleven of the most significant advantages of family mediation.

  1. Spend Less

Family mediation is the least expensive method of divorce compared to going via the Family Courts. When litigating (argumentating through the Court system), each side selects its own attorneys, who likely bill by the hour — in 6-minute increments. This include receiving, mailing, and reviewing letters and papers, as well as correspondence between parties, drafting forms and court documents, and making court appearances or attending meetings. As the lawsuit continues, expenditures continue to accumulate.

In family mediation, both parties typically split the expense of a single mediator, making the entire procedure simpler and less expensive. Most family mediators charge an hourly or fixed cost. With a fixed charge, all parties are aware of their financial obligations from the outset.

  1. Save Time

In contrast to litigation, where cases can often drag on for months or even years, family mediation can be concluded in a matter of weeks. There is no hard and fast rule as to how long each case may take, since it varies much on the complexity and nature of the issues, although it will be considerably faster than in the Family Court.

This can open the way for a swift settlement if both parties have a sincere desire to resolve their disagreements, disclose all facts completely and truthfully, and are willing to negotiate in a fair manner.

  1. Confidentiality

Family mediators are bound by strong confidentiality regulations, and everything spoken during mediation stays secret and cannot be used in court as evidence. This is completely opposed to litigation, in which all disclosed material is public.

Rarely, where there is a risk of violence, especially against a child, are mediators legally required to report the incident, and such information may subsequently be used as evidence.

  1. Flexibility

In contrast to a court proceeding, when dates are predetermined and you are constrained by rigorous rules and etiquette, family mediation offers an informal setting where you can pick the location, days, and hours.

Unlike in court, where you may be cross-examined by your spouse's attorney, family mediation can be conducted via phone or video conference, or you can opt to have a relative, friend, or your own attorney there, or you can even be in different rooms. It is far less daunting for all parties.

  1. Less Stressful

 Mediators are not concerned in assigning blame or taking sides; hence, emotions are subdued so the parties may focus on solutions and reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. By maintaining neutrality and holding both parties in check while reminding them of their legal rights and responsibilities, mediators can prevent either side from making excessive demands, therefore reducing the stress of the process.

Because the procedure is far quicker than litigation, everyone experiences less antagonism and uncertainty.

  1. Be Heard

In family mediation, you have the opportunity to explain the problem in your own words, unlike in the Family Court, where a lawyer would fight on your side. All of your complaints, wants, and suggestions are heard and considered.

  1. Maintain Command

In the Family Court, a judge makes the final determination, which may be based on what is in the best interests of the children but may not take into account everything you wish.

This conclusion may leave one or both parties dissatisfied. In family mediation, you maintain control throughout the whole process, allowing both parties to explore answers and establish their own agreement that is tailored to their family's particular circumstances.

  1. Stop the Fighting

Mediators stay exclusively focused on obtaining a practical, mutually accepted resolution. They urge both parties to offer proposals that can be implemented and to negotiate a fair and equitable resolution that is in the best interests of everyone, including their children.

  1. Safeguard Your Children

Showing your children that you are communicating and working together towards a quick and peaceful resolution is considerably healthier for them than allowing them to see and avoid your ongoing stress.

Protecting your children from such turmoil provides security and reduces post-separation stress.

  1. Enhancement of Communication and Relationships

As smoothly as possible, mediating a viable settlement that you both agree on sets the tone for improved communication and future relationships between both sides, which benefits not only you, but the entire family.

  1. Continue with Your New Life

Working toward and creating a post-divorce connection enables the parties and their children to go forward with their lives. When there are children involved, both parents must maintain touch and a healthy relationship, long after the divorce papers have been completed.

In far too many divorces and separations, conflict can persist for years, frequently to the disadvantage of both parties and children. Family mediation is an effective means of avoiding this.