Mediators act as neutral third parties facilitating discussions between participants to explore options and reach long lasting agreements.
Coming into mediation can seem overwhelming – both from an emotional perspective – as well as practically.
Mediators are not able to provide you with individual emotional support, or with helping to get together necessary paperwork outside of the mediation process.
This is where a divorce consultant can be an invaluable support.
I have invited Rhiannon Ford, a divorce consultant, to explain how a divorce coach can help you in the mediation process:-
Guest Blog from Rhiannon Ford
A divorce consultant is a professional trained to provide emotional support, practical advice, and strategic guidance throughout the divorce process, particularly during family mediation. Their focus is not solely on legal matters but on holistic support, addressing the emotional, practical and financial aspects of divorce.
Emotional Support
Through coaching, a divorce consultant can help you address challenging emotions and concerns about negotiating with your spouse. They can assist you in feeling focused, calm, and confident, optimising your readiness for mediation discussions.
Divorce can be rife with emotions – grief, anger, guilt and fear, to name a few. Navigating these emotional waters alone can be overwhelming. A divorce consultant can offer a safe space to express these feelings without judgment. They provide empathetic listening, validation, and coping strategies to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster with resilience and clarity.
A Sounding Board
They can serve as your trusted confidant, helping you gather your thoughts, prepare for each mediation session, and debrief afterwards. Having a supportive expert by your side throughout the process provides reassurance and clarity.
In the haze of emotions, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals and priorities. Divorce consultants can assist you in clarifying what matters most to you – whether it’s co-parenting arrangements, financial stability, or preserving amicable relations. By articulating your needs and desires, you can approach mediation with a clear sense of purpose, leading to more constructive negotiations and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Practical Help
Divorce consultants can provide hands-on assistance in preparing your financial information, ensuring you are ready for discussions in mediation sessions. This proactive approach saves time, and money, and puts you in the best position to begin negotiations promptly.
Family mediation relies on open communication and compromise to reach agreements. Divorce consultants can serve as your strategic ally, helping you prepare for mediation sessions, anticipate challenges, and articulate your interests effectively and can offer practical advice on negotiation tactics, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving techniques to facilitate productive discussions and foster cooperation between you and your partner.
In Conclusion
Enlisting the support of a divorce consultant during the family mediation process can be invaluable for navigating the complexities and emotions involved in divorce proceedings. From providing emotional support to offering practical guidance and empowering you to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence towards a brighter future.
Rhiannon Ford is a divorce consultant and coach with over 25 years’ experience working with individuals going through divorce and separation. She was formally a family law solicitor, and on leaving private practice trained as a coach. Her focus is to make a positive difference to those going through a difficult time. To find out more and/or start working with Rhiannon – www.rhiannonford.co.uk
Image by Neil Thomas, Unsplash