Family Law Mediation

About Family Law Mediation

Family Law Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process whereby the parties are assisted by a trained and skilled third party. The Family Law mediator facilitates confidential communication, reconciliation and negotiation between the parties to reach a voluntary and mutually agreeable resolution.

There are many types of Family Law Mediation, however there is none that may fall closer to home than that of a parent with a troubled teen. Sometimes, there is no other resort when the lines of communication are not clearly effective. In this circumstance many parents have the option to have a neutral third party intervene and mediate an intervention. This can be very effective at ceasing the battle ground that can be established between a young teen and their parents. It has also been proven to result in an understanding and can ultimately better the relationship between the parent and the teen.

It is very difficult to be a teen in this day and age. Teens all have to undergo an identity crisis, and when this occurs the parent is usually rebelled against. This causes a great conflict between the parent and the child. It also makes the relationship very rocky. Family Law Mediation can give the teen and parent an opportunity to discuss, compromise, and improve all elements involved in the dispute. Teens are more willing to be patient, listen, and understand what their parent’s are going through. Parents are more open to listen and be empathetic of what the teen is experiencing.

There are many circumstances that can arise that can instigate the necessity for a Family Law Mediation to occur. Here are so common issues that may give good cause for Family Law Mediation:

 •Pregnancy, death, crisis
 •Violence, anger, outbursts
 •Alcohol and drugs
 •Rebelliousness with doing chores, staying home, and making curfews
 •Step parent retaliation
 •Dating and friends
 •Beginning criminal behavior
 •Appearance
 •Employment
 •Sibling relationships
 •Choices, school grades, and future goals in life
 •Talking back, disrespect, and aggression
 •Sexual orientation, gender orientation
 •Communication or withdrawal from
 •Depression

What is parent teen mediation or family law mediation? Mediation is a process in which a mediator(third party) parties. It can open the lines of communication, and prevent future problems from occurring. The process of mediation is fairly simple. Here are the steps involved in parent - teen or family law mediation:

Family Law Mediators will first be introduced to the teen and parent(s) separately. This is an intake meeting that is used to explain the process of mediation and get a grasp on the conflict at hand. This may be the opportunity that the individual’s can discuss and vent their grievances with the mediator. It can also be a smart offensive move that enables the person to feel comfortable and not attacked.

The next meeting will be scheduled and the parties will sent down and the mediator will act as a referee without swaying any opinions. The only thing the mediator will do is likely to bring up topics that may be of relevance to the situation and influence positive communication. This session may be all that it takes to resolve the issue, however if a resolve is not met there will be another meeting scheduled.

In some cases family law mediation is not a viable option. These are situations where substance abuse, violence, and mental illness are involved.

The family law mediator will be able to determine when the parties are out of hand or deliberating their power as a way to sabotage the entire purpose of the mediation setting. When this occurs usually the mediator will evaluate the circumstances and advise that another alternative to be taken in order not to waste time and effort on a lost cause.

The best thing about Family Law Mediation is that it extracts the blame from either party. This allows the parties to remain open-minded in each other concerns, requests, and feelings. Often the doors of communication can be unlocked through this means. It definitely can be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Most parents who choose this route for their child, are very concerned about their child’s well-being. The child usually is lost in some aspect and can be recovered through understanding the parent is trying and does love them enough to listen, come to a compromise, and agree to disagree.