What is Hybrid Mediation?

A bespoke form of dispute resolution, hybrid mediation can be an alternative way to resolve issues such as financial settlements and child arrangements. The process involves the mediator meeting with each party separately and in joint sessions. It can be tailored to the needs of each family and provides a well-structured way to resolve disputes outside of court.

Flexibility and confidentiality are advantages to hybrid mediation. Often quicker than going to court, the process can be arranged according to your availability. It is more private than going to court and the mediator is able to meet you individually so that sensitive issues such as financial and parenting arrangements can be discussed in confidence.

As specialists in the emotional complexities involved in family law cases, hybrid mediators are trained to conduct negotiations, provide neutral guidance, and help work toward a mutually agreed solution.

Hybrid mediation can be used for financial matters following a separation or divorce, including financial settlements involving the division of assets. It can also be used to agree child arrangements, including working on a parenting plan.

Mediators will meet with both parties together in traditional mediation. In many cases this approach works well but it may not work so well when there are communication difficulties between the separating couple. In hybrid mediation the mediator can talk individually with you and relay information between you and your ex-partner.

It is often quicker than court proceedings as there are no long delays and you can schedule the sessions for when they work best for you. It will however depend on both of you being willing to engage with the process. Sessions will normally last an hour or perhaps two hours. The whole process can take from just a few weeks to a couple of months or longer. It will depend on how quickly an agreement can be reached.

The cost is going to vary on how complex your situation is and how many sessions it takes to resolve the issues. It can often be less expensive than going to court and can save time, stress, and ongoing legal fees. If you are looking for a more flexible way to resolve family disputes, hybrid mediation offers a useful alternative to traditional court proceedings.

Ready to take the next step? As leading family lawyers in Milton Keynes, our team of family law specialists are here to advise you, including seeing if Hybrid Mediation is the right option for you. In addition to our head office in Milton Keynes, we also have solicitors in Bicester, Watford, and Central London. Talk to us in confidence and find out where you stand. Get in touch – we’re here to help.

This article is intended for the use of our clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it reflects the author’s view and is believed to be correct at the date of publication. However, it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional legal advice.