How Can Remote Family Mediation Help During The Coronavirus Lockdown?
Whilst the rest of life is put on pause during COVID-19 lockdown, relationship and co-parenting difficulties continue. In fact, the stress of being at home 24/7 is likely to exacerbate them. There are many ways in which family lawyers can continue to help you, one of which is family mediation via Zoom or other video conferencing facilities.
Mediation involves meetings with you and your partner (or former partner) and a trained, impartial mediator, who will help you work through the issues. The mediator will not advise you, but can provide you with legal information, so that you can make informed decisions between you. The setting is confidential and the mediator will work to maintain balance between the couple, so that one party does not dominate.
We have two specialist family mediators at Hodge Jones & Allen. Jacqueline Major, who is the head of the family law department and Vanessa Friend, who is a partner. They are both registered with the Family Mediation Council and Resolution, which is the largest family law organisation in England.
Jacqueline and Vanessa are now able to offer remote mediation via Zoom or another form of video conferencing facility, to enable you to take part in mediation during lockdown.
What are the benefits of remote mediation?
- It is usually less expensive than negotiating an agreement through a lawyer.
- You can do it from the comfort of your home.
- If you and your partner are still living together you can have screens in separate rooms.
- You can have it at time that is convenient for you. For example, after the children have gone to bed.
The aim of mediation is help you find a solution together without the need for court or extensive legal correspondence.