How to find a good family mediator By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk In most cases, making the decision to seek the assistance of a family mediator will prove to be one of the best decisions that a separating or divorcing couple can make. However, in order to maximise the chances that there will be a positive…
The Future of Mediation By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk With recent figures showing a drop in Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings of 58% (from 14,758 to 7,170) between June and September 2013 compared to the same period last year, at a time when the Government has promised to promote mediation as an alternative to court proceedings…
The Secret to a Stress Free Separation? By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk It can be very difficult to come to the conclusion that there is no future for a relationship. Once children, the family home and a marriage are added to the equation then it is not hard to see why so many separating couples end…
Christmas Crisis? By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk Whilst the Christmas period feels like it should be a time of harmony and goodwill towards others, for many people it can be a very stressful time. Some people find themselves looking at all the festive cheer and wondering why they do not share this feeling themselves, and instead…
Anyone who is divorcing, separating or facing another family law issue might want to read the article I wrote on the Law Plain and Simple website about whether you should see a family mediator or a solicitor for assistance. http://www.lawplainandsimple.com/legal-guides/article/should-i-see-a-family-mediator-or-a-solicitor Thank you for taking the time to read the article and I look forward to reading…
Conflict and Divorce By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk As an experienced family mediator, there is always the risk that I can become desensitised to the impact and effects of separation or divorce on the clients themselves. Having said this, it is also vitally important that I remain detached from the situation, allowing me to stay impartial…
A Guide to Ending a Relationship By Euan Davidson euandavidson@godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk Sometimes, there will be a clear reason for ending a relationship, such as an affair or a heated argument, whilst at other times there will have been a slow drifting apart or long-term issues, but whatever the cause of the breakdown in a relationship, separation…
It is difficult to work out how to approach an article about the true cost of divorce. For example, it would be possible to spend time discussing the emotional cost on both parties (as well as other people who might be affected, including any children), with this emotional cost generally increasing in line with the…
Writing as a family mediator who operates in Surrey and parts of London, I regularly come into contact with people who are relatively comfortable financially and who therefore have a lot of financial issues to discuss and agree when a divorce or separation arises. Add in the fact that my main office is very close…
In a perfect world, the summer holidays can be an exciting and enjoyable time for all the members of a family. The children are delighted to have several weeks without homework and routine, whilst also having lots of quality time with both their parents; the parents thrive on being able to spend uninterrupted time with their…
An issue that has interested me for a long time is whether or not mediators work closely enough together in promoting the use and understanding of mediation. Whenever I attend a conference or training day or have an informal chat with a fellow mediator, I am always struck by the fact that invariably there is…
Even once we have dealt with the brain’s natural desire to substitute “mediation” with “meditation”, which immediately creates the impression that mediation is akin to a form of therapy, the vast majority of people who I discuss mediation with then assume that it is a type of marriage counselling or marriage guidance. I find myself regularly having to explain that mediation…
In November last year, I wrote a page on the Mediation Doctor entitled the “Perfect Mediation Model”. This model is basically premised on the theory that, in an ideal world, mediators, solicitors, financial advisers, pension advisers, counsellors and other professionals will work together to assist clients to resolve their family law (and other issues) in…
One of the main reasons that one or both parties in a divorce is reluctant to commit to spending money on family mediation is the fact that, unless you qualify for legal aid mediation (which is becoming much harder to qualify for), there will inevitably be some costs involved in the process. The level of…
I was just looking back at the original family mediation blog that I started almost 2 years ago and was struck by the post that I wrote entitled “Use of Social Media for Family Mediation” in November 2011 which started with the following paragraph: “I have been thinking for some time that there is a…
Ever since I first became involved in family mediation, there is a key issue that has been on my mind as well as on the mind of most of the mediators who I know, namely: Why have so few people who would benefit from family mediation (e.g. divorcing or separating couples and parents or grandparents…
It is really encouraging that the Government, via the Ministry of Justice, are finally starting to promote mediation. This video is worth a look for anyone who wants to know more about mediation in a very simple format but please contact a mediator if you want to know more about the mediation process and to work…
I am very happy to be able to write this post confirming that this new family mediation blog is up and running. Please feel free to add your own posts.
Many thanks
Euan