New Year's Resolution: Add a Mediator to Your Team

As we come to the end of a decade and start 2020, many of us use this time of the year to reflect on their life and make resolutions for the things they want to change. There are simple changes such as exercising more, eating better or changing career and more emotionally charged ones such as improving their relations with their loved ones and family members in the broad sense of the term.

To make alterations in life some of us acknowledge that they will need the assistance of a professional (coach, personal assistant, personal trainer) to keep them on track toward reaching their goals.

In that respect, the role of a mediator in a family dispute is no different that the role of any of the professionals described above. Unfortunately, lots of people do not yet perceive mediators as family coaches and problem solvers. They rely on the erroneous belief that mediation and mediators are intrinsically intricated in the judicial process which is not always true.

First, even if the family issue is already pending in front of a court of law, the mediation process is confidential. In a nutshell, anything that will be said by any parties including the mediators during the course of the mediation cannot be used in a court of law expect in extreme situations such as physical violence.

Second, lots of families work with mediator to prevent future conflicts in their family. As an example, some parents use the help of a mediator to explain to their children what they intend to include in their will and trust and why. Based on the feedback they will receive during the mediation session; the parents and their children will collaborate under the guidance of a mediator to find alternatives that will satisfy all the parties involved.

Therefore, just as people might hire a professional to assist them creating the change, they want to see in their life in 2020, one might add to the list of the support system a mediator who can assist in releasing tensions and solving disputes within the family.

To conclude, bear in mind that in each and every mediation process, whether they occurred before or after the family dispute has arisen, whether a court of law is involved or not, the mediator will encourage the parties to reflect on what is not working in their family and why. Then with that insight, the mediator will accompany each family member to take the necessary steps to “ close the door to the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step through, and start a new chapter in their life in order to initiate the change they want to see in their family and create a better future for all.

At MPSV we have the experience and the passion to bring peace to families one dispute resolution at the time. If you are involved in a family dispute or know someone who is, call us. We can help 2020 be a better year for your family.