Whilst domestic abuse might be a barrier to mediation, this is not always the case. In the initial mediation meeting your mediator will discuss in detail with you whether mediation can be facilitated in a safe way for you and your ex-partner. If it is not appropriate for you and your ex-partner to be in the same room together then mediators can facilitate “shuttle mediation” or hybrid mediation.
In shuttle mediation you and your ex-partner will be in separate rooms either virtually or in person, and the mediator will shuttle between the two of you.
Hybrid mediation is one of the options that is particularly suited to high conflict or complex cases, as it facilitates the inclusion of lawyers directly into the process and allows parties to sit in separate rooms with their lawyers.
During #FamilyMediationWeek there will be free events about how family mediation can help if you are separating.
For more information about the benefits of family mediation contact Rebekah Gershuny (at rg@freemanssolicitors.net) or Mark Kosmin (at mk@freemanssolicitors.net) or by phone to 020 7935 3522.
Whatever your personal circumstances the above is only a guide and we would advise you to contact us to obtain definitive advice as you will appreciate that each person’s circumstances are unique to them.