If you find it difficult to be in the same room as your ex-partner during mediation then shuttle mediation may be an option. In this type of mediation you remain in separate rooms and your mediator ‘shuttles’ between you to facilitate discussions over sensitive issues. This method can be used in a range of situations including when you are uncomfortable with meeting face to face due to high emotions, power imbalances or history of hostility. This form of mediation can also be arranged over video call or through Zoom and may include legal advisors for some sessions.
Our mediators will be able to advise you on whether this type of mediation is appropriate for your situation and will discuss this with you at your initial session. It is important that you are honest with your mediator as it will not be possible for them to help you if they are unable to gain a full understanding of your position. Shuttle mediation can be very effective and is a great alternative to court proceedings.
In addition to reducing the stress of a meeting it can also be more cost-effective than the traditional route. This is especially the case if you opt for hybrid mediation, where solicitors and other specialists may be involved. This means that the process is often quicker and more cost-effective than traditional proceedings, and that you are able to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
During your session the mediator will help you to identify and explore all of your options and choices. This can be particularly helpful when the subject matter of a dispute is particularly contentious or difficult to resolve. We will then support you in finding a solution that works for both of you. During the mediation sessions you will have an opportunity to discuss any issues that you have with your ex-partner and will explore how these could be resolved.
The advantage of shuttle mediation is that you can communicate with the other party through the mediator and they will relay your comments back to you. This can be very helpful in situations where you have a history of conflict with your partner or there are concerns about safety. It is also useful in cases where you have a child-related issue, such as contact or residence arrangements.
In shuttle mediation the mediator will often paraphrase or summarise the information that you have provided to the other party so that they can be understood by both parties. This can be more beneficial than trying to communicate directly with the other party, as it can prevent feelings being misinterpreted or misunderstandings occurring. However, shuttle mediation does tend to take longer and therefore will be more expensive than the traditional face-to-face method. For this reason we usually recommend that you attend 2-3 shuttle mediation sessions in total for parenting or financial mediation. shuttle mediation uk