What is the future of Mediation?

In 2024, we saw a shift towards real change for Non-Court Dispute Resolution across civil matters as well as family matters.

Sadly, there are long timescales across many courts, which means that any court application in a family matter will often take months to resolve if they are not settled at the first hearing.

Mediation is an area of expertise, and with the right mediator and mindset from the participants, you will see results. Mediation is embracing the future of dispute resolution and has to be the way forward for many cases.

What is hybrid mediation?

Another example of this forward-thinking alternative to traditional mediation is hybrid mediation. This is a combination of the civil and family models of mediation. It tends to be suited to high-conflict or complex cases, as participants can involve their lawyers directly in the process, giving them additional support, as well as direct and timely access to legal advice. These mediations would be conducted by a mediator who has specifically undertaken hybrid mediation training.

How is hybrid mediation different to other family mediation?

The main differences are as follows:

1. People can have the support of their lawyers directly and throughout the process.
2. People and their lawyers usually sit in separate rooms.
3. Meetings tend to take place over a half or full day.
4. People do not have to delay discussions in order to consult with their solicitors between meetings.
5. Other professionals, such as neutral financial experts, can be involved.

What format does hybrid mediation take?

Initially, separate meetings with the participants to explore the issues. If lawyers are supporting, a meeting with both lawyers to discuss their role, the information needed, and the format of meetings. Hybrid mediation meetings then take place separately or jointly, or a combination of both. Lawyers do not need to attend all meetings.

Lawyers’ roles are to support their clients and give independent legal advice. The mediator remains in control of the process, and discussions are between the participants. If a mediated outcome is achieved, the lawyers can immediately draft the necessary outcome documents.

Find out more about the mediation process

Book a free initial consultation with our experienced mediator, Kellie-Jayne Cox, to explain the process to you in more detail and establish whether mediation is the right route for you.

Contact Kellie-Jayne Cox at kjcox@biscoes-law.co.uk or telephone 01420 550543.