Mediation is a tool commonly associated with the divorce process, but it is a type of dispute resolution that can be useful for a lot more than that.
The issues a family disagrees upon may vary, but common areas of conflict are:
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When to take away a parent’s car keys, vehicle, etc.
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How bills are paid and other financial issues
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Living arrangements for aging parents, such as whether to seek at-home care or relocate to an assisted living or nursing facility
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Legal decisions on Powers of Attorney or Guardianship
The mediation process provides the family with an objective professional to help the family navigate these tough decisions. A mediator encourages involved parties to think in new ways about how to solve the problem, finding solutions that everyone can agree upon. Mediation is very empowering for families. The parties drive the final result through a series of friendly discussions outside the courtroom, rather than leaving important decisions up to a caseworker. Working through disputes in mediation not only avoids costly legal fees but preserves family relationships.
