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What is hybrid mediation?
Hybrid mediation is a take on the well-known, well-used standard mediation. As with all mediation, it is client-led. This means that you as the divorcing parties have control over the discussion, and the resulting settlement is much more tailored.
It is an out-of-court method, but does not affect your ability to take matters to court should discussions break down and further interventions are necessary.
You and your ex-partner are not in the same room (or virtual room) but you each have access to your individual lawyers to provide legal advice and guidance as necessary. The trained mediator will move between each of you, brokering agreements on issues as they arise. They hold information about what each party wants but do not necessarily share this.
Because you have the immediate support of your lawyer on hand, decisions can be reached much quicker than perhaps they can in normal mediation, meaning the process is more efficient and cost-effective.
As with normal mediation, it can work alongside legal proceedings or before these are undertaken.
How is it different to normal mediation?
Mediation is a very effective service for divorcing couples that helps them come to agreements about specific issues in their divorce, for example financial settlements or child arrangements. There are two types of mediation – divorce mediation and family mediation.
The key difference between hybrid mediation and normal mediation is that in hybrid, each party has their lawyer on hand and the divorcing couple are in separate rooms. In normal mediation, usually, the divorcing couple will sit together with the mediator, after an introductory meeting where you have individual conversations with the trained mediator.
Hybrid mediation is sometimes known as shuttle mediation, as the mediator moves between each party.
However, shuttle mediation and hybrid mediation are subtly different as shuttle mediation can take place without lawyers being present in negotiations.
Another difference is that in hybrid mediation, the mediator can call on other professionals, for example financial advisors, psychiatrists, and social workers.
What is it useful for?
Hybrid mediation is particularly useful in cases where there may be safeguarding issues, for example domestic abuse, including narcissistic abuse. The trained mediator can keep any knowledge on such matters to themselves.
Confidentiality is key in hybrid mediation – parties can individually explore options with the mediator, and alongside their lawyer, without raising any expectations.
It is also useful in high-conflict cases where couples are struggling to come to an agreement on a particular issue, such as child arrangements. Hybrid mediation can reduce conflict as it keeps the parties separate and they are more able to focus on the matters at hand.
As lawyers are directly involved in the process, it can increase the certainty of the outcome. It mitigates the risk of not achieving a legally suitable outcome and lessens the chances of the parties changing their minds.
It can also be more cost-effective. Hybrid sessions are often longer than normal mediation sessions, meaning there are fewer of them and often conclusions can be reached more effectively. It works well in cases where one or both parties feel that they want advice, as discussions are ongoing. This can mean hybrid mediation is more time effective, especially when there are complex or emotive issues involved.
It is important to bear in mind that if you undergo hybrid mediation, you will pay for both the mediator and the lawyer’s time.
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What our clients say
Amy Turner at Stowe and Law solicitors has been working on dealing with my affairs through a divorce. Amy gave advice and support when needed and tells you as she sees it. Amy gave options through out the process at every stage that I could take without pushing me into an option and respects your decisions.
Amy worked tirelessly to achieve the aims that I asked her to deal with efficiently and professionally and wasted no time when receiving emails. Amy judging by the time of emails i received works long hours to achieve her targets. Amy is a pleasure to work with and will follow through on what she says she will do, you can rely on her to get the work done
I saw Sarah McLoughlin as part of my 'Next steps Meeting.'
Sarah was an excellent listener giving easy to understand information in a calm manner.
She broke down the next steps in a format that I felt empowered to undertake.
She was knowledgeable and friendly.
I was nervous at the start of the meeting but she was able to put my fears at ease and I finished the meeting feeling relieved and smiling.
Pooja Patel helped me through cases involving my children and divorce. She is very supportive and was very amazing and got the results needed in very difficult circumstances. I’m thankful l had Pooja at my side and do not know what l would have done without her.
Sarah was my brother’s divorce solicitor from beginning to end. She also dealt with me as my brother often found it difficult to comprehend all the legal terminology and needed help to source all the paper work that Sarah required. Sarah was so understanding and patient with my brother, always answering my phone calls immediately, even when she was on holiday with her family! She was extremely professional and highly committed throughout the difficult months of court hearings, constantly reassuring us when we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would highly recommend her.
Harriet Donavan and her team were amazingly helpful throughout my protracted and painful divorce. She guided me through areas that I was not aware of and helped me get to the point where I was able to fight successfully for better equity and time with my kids.
The team you manage have been fantastic with my cases. I moved solicitors and I was very nervous at whether I had done the right thing as it was a big decision. But after meeting Jake and how he listened to me and his no nonsenses attitude which I needed, I felt a lot more at ease. And his quick turnaround to take my cases on to putting a CAO in place last Friday that Ella sorted out for me and kept me in the loop all the way until it was filled with the court. And today Michelle for jumping straight on things while Jake was on leave and getting Ella to deal with the issue where I found my wife was trying to sell sentimental items on Facebook marketplace. Ella quickly responded and dealt with the situation in my opinion perfectly, and the items have been taken down by her now, again she kept me in the loop every step of the way which I really need at the minute. You have an amazing team and I feel very well looked after and I now believe I will get what I and my girls need through all this I know it will take some time, but I have faith in your team you have and trust them.
Working with Nicole Turner, I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I feel I can speak honestly and openly with her about proposals and negotiating in a somewhat lengthy divorce process. She cuts through the bluster from the other side and informs and guides in a down to earth and clear way,
I'm not out of the woods yet but I know I'm in good hands. I appreciate Nicole's determination to avoid court as this is an unnecessary cost to all concerned.
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