Navigating family disputes is one of the most challenging aspects of life for many people. Whether it’s a dispute related to money, custody or property, the stress can be high and emotions may run out of control. While it’s impossible to avoid disputes completely, there are steps that can be taken to reduce conflict and find resolutions that work for everyone involved.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a legal process designed to help parties resolve disputes outside of court. ADR methods are often less costly, faster and more effective than traditional litigation. They also offer more privacy and flexibility than traditional court proceedings, which can be especially useful in cases involving children.
One of the most common ways to resolve family law disputes is through mediation, which involves meeting with a neutral mediator to discuss your case and come up with a mutually agreeable solution. The mediation process is generally more amicable and collaborative than traditional litigation, which can minimize the emotional impact for all parties involved.
While mediation is a viable option for many family law disputes, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney before proceeding. Certain situations, such as a complete breakdown of communication or a history of domestic violence, can make mediation impractical.
If a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, another option is arbitration. Arbitration is similar to mediation, but it’s usually more formal and involves surrendering decision-making power to a neutral arbitrator who will make a binding decision that can be enforced like a court order would be.
The nuances of mediation can be complex, but the end goal remains the same: to come up with a mutually agreeable resolution. A good place to start is by reading a book on mediation, such as Alison Taylor’s The Handbook of Family Dispute Resolution, which includes tips and strategies for successful family mediations.
A separate chapter of the book covers specific situations that many family mediators will encounter, such as prenuptial agreements and divorces. For those navigating the difficult and emotional process of divorce, this chapter offers advice for staying calm during this critical time in your life. It also discusses child-focused mediation, which is an increasingly popular approach that is based on curiosity over judgment and prioritizes the needs of the children. Other chapters cover conciliation, marital mediation and parent coordination, all of which are useful tools for reducing conflict in family disputes.
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