Is co-mediation right for you?
Co-mediation is a mediation process where two mediators work as a team to assist the parties in resolving their conflict. Co-mediation can be beneficial in a number of situations but only you can decide it will benefit you in your mediation. Some things to consider are:
Complex Mediations - This allows one mediator to ask questions and the other to takes notes and/or observe. One will focus on the details while the other is more focused on the big picture so that no detail is overlooked.
Expedite the Process - Having two mediators will allow the team to divide and conquer to help accelerate the process. A mediator will stay will each party in caucus (individually) to make the mediation more efficient.
Skills & Experience - Varying skills and experience can allow the parties to take advantage of both mediators experience and expertise in a particular field.
Focused Attention - Two mediators allow more focused attention on each individual party. This will sometimes assist the parties in developing trust and being heard. Each mediator should insure the parties of their neutrality and that their role is to gain as much information as possible through the co-mediation process and that neither will be biased in favor of either party.
Gender Neutrality/Representation - In family law mediations participants may feel more comfortable with having representation from both genders during the mediation process. In cases of discrimination it could be beneficial to have mediators of different genders with the parties to eliminate any feeling of bias.
Behavior Modeling - In co-mediation, the mediators will model good problem solving for the participants to provide an example of how to work together and respect each party throughout the process.
Cost - The concern that co-mediation is more costly is unfounded since co-mediation can results in the mediation being more efficient and less time consuming. If co-mediation is important in resolving the issues and reaching an agreement, the cost would still be less than going to court.
Now that you know a little more about the co-mediation process, you can decide if this would be the right option for your mediation.
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