When relationships have broken down, speaking directly with the other person can sometimes feel impossible. Fortunately, family mediation offers a range of approaches to suit individual circumstances. At Hampshire Mediation, we provide both shuttle mediation and hybrid mediation, allowing us to tailor the process to your needs.
Shuttle mediation is often the best option where there is a high level of conflict or where one or both participants feel uncomfortable meeting in the same room, be that a real room or an online meeting room. Rather than sitting together, each person remains in a separate room (or a separate virtual meeting), and the mediator moves between them, carrying proposals, discussing issues, and helping to negotiate an agreement. The parties never have to meet face to face, making the process feel safer and less confrontational.
Hybrid mediation also recognises that some cases require a more flexible approach, but it goes a step further. As well as allowing participants to remain separate if appropriate, hybrid mediation enables other professionals, such as solicitors, financial advisers or family consultants, to attend the mediation sessions. This can be particularly valuable in complex financial cases or where legal advice during negotiations helps participants make informed decisions. The format can also be adapted so that some participants attend remotely while others are present with the mediator.
It also allows the mediator to take a different approach to the mediation and assist more actively in helping the participants find a settlement.
Both approaches retain the core principles of family mediation: confidentiality, impartiality and a focus on reaching practical, workable solutions without the need for lengthy court proceedings.
At Hampshire Mediation, we understand that every family’s circumstances are different. Whether shuttle mediation provides the safe environment you need to begin discussions, or hybrid mediation offers the additional professional support your case would benefit from, we can recommend the most suitable process. Our experienced mediators will explain your options and help you choose the approach that gives you the best opportunity to reach a lasting agreement.