27 February 2023
What are the benefits of mediation?
Some of our family lawyers also work as mediators. I am one of them. Mediation in family law cases is on the rise. Nevertheless, some ambiguities about mediation still exist.
In this weblog, I therefore take a closer look at mediation. What are the benefits of mediation? And when is it best to opt for mediation?
What does mediation involve?
Mediation is where the parties engage in joint discussions under the guidance of a mediator. The main aim is to reach agreement of the issue under dispute. As a mediator, I also pay attention to the parties’ mutual communication and emotions in the process.“Why is attention being given to this?” is a frequently asked question, another is “mediation isn’t relationship therapy, is it?”.
Mediation is indeed not relationship therapy; the aim of relationship therapy is to improve the relationship, while mediation looks at ending the relationship. However, reaching agreements together often requires attention to be paid to mutual communication and the parties’ emotions. Sadness and anger are emotions that are often pent up and they affect your body. By paying attention to this, mutual understanding is created and agreements to be made in which the role played by emotions is minimised.
Which topics are suitable for mediation?
Mediation is possible for all family law issues. As a mediator, I am often involved at the beginning, i.e. at the time of divorce, dissolution of a registered partnership or the end of the relationship. However, mediation is also suitable when a conflict arises years after you have separated, for example about the children or maintenance.
What are the benefits of mediation?
An advantage of mediation is that it is usually completed faster than court proceedings. It is also often cheaper; after all, you jointly pay for one mediator instead of two lawyers. Another important advantage is that you make the agreements yourself and do not have them imposed on you by a judge. Finally, mediation often has a healing effect on mutual communication. This is not only in your interest, but also in the interest of your children.
In conclusion
If you have any questions about mediation, please do not hesitate to contact me via d.bertsch@gmw.nl or 070 3615048.
15 July 2024
Child account or child support?
When parents of a child end their relationship, they must make arrangements regarding the division of the costs of care and upbringing of their child. Parents are generally free to determine these arrangements themselves. However, the principle is that a child should not suffer any financial disadvantage following the end of their parents' relationship.
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3 July 2024
Loss of mortgage interest when dividing the house
When dividing the joint house (for example, in the event of divorce or termination of cohabitation), it often happens that one party takes over the home with the mortgage, and the other party looks for new housing.
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24 June 2024
How to overcome a long pick-up and drop-off distance in a care arrangement
When parents split up, agreements have to be made about the care arrangements.
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