We know that family life is not always straightforward, and that even the most solid of families can experience disagreement, conflict or relationship breakdown.
At Resolution Mediation Scotland we provide a range of family mediation services which aim to find ways to resolve differences and create shared agreements for a more stable future.
We use all of our experience and skill to bring a fresh perspective and absolute impartiality to even the most complex of family disputes. We also offer mediation for neighbourhood or community conflict.
When parents have separated and simply can’t agree on the practicalities or boundaries of childcare, we work with both parties to develop a co-operative parenting plan, built on shared and mutually agreed objectives that is truly child-centred. Whether that’s for child contact, methods of communication, schooling or arranging holidays etc, our principle goal is support you both to reach workable agreements without the stress and costs of protracted court cases or damaging, long-running hostilities.
We apply the same impartiality to our intergenerational mediation for adult relatives. This may be when a parent and adult child relationship has broken down, a relationship has fractured between siblings or when contact with grandchildren has been prevented, we offer practical, neutral support to help all members of the family involved reach resolution.
If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation can help you sort out disputes – without involving big legal fees or going through court. Mediation is not about trying to get you back together. It’s about helping you to make arrangements after you’ve decided to separate.
It can also help when you’ve already separated and need to sort something out. You and your partner (or ex-partner) explain your concerns and views to each other in the presence of a family mediator who helps you both to reach an agreement.
Family mediation supports parents, children and family members through family change and disruption. However it also takes place in other circumstances, including disputes over the provision of care for a relative, or in a dispute between family members such as a mother and son.
Family mediators are trained to work with people whose relationships have broken down. Mediators will find solutions that both of you can agree on. A mediator will ask you questions to understand your situation and, unlike going to court, you stay in control. No-one can make you do anything against your wishes. Discussions are confidential. We don’t take sides, make judgements or tell you what to do. What we do do, is help you have a discussion about the choices you may have and then work on what is getting in the way of achieving those. The aim is to avoid a lengthy and costly legal battle and ensure that you are in control of the decision making process.
Children have the right to a relationship with both parents (as long as it is safe) and their needs are most important. We are trained to include children in discussions but only if both you, your partner and the child agree.
We also know that mediation agreements work; simply because if you are part of creating a plan for your future, you have a vested interest or reason to make that plan work – for you.
Contact us as soon as you and your partner have decided to split up and need help sorting out arrangements – the sooner the better, before the issues become big problems. You don’t need to see a solicitor first. Or if you have already split up contact us as soon as you feel there are difficulties in agreeing arrangements.
Even if you have been separated for a while or if your case has already gone to court, mediation can help to resolve any dispute you may have. The first step is to attend a meeting with the mediator so you can find out more about mediation and if it’s right for you.
I had several coaching sessions with Catriona when I was going through a difficult time at work. Catriona’s calm approach put me at ease instantly. She supported me to think about my situation from an objective point of view. Her coaching style enabled me to reflect and focus on a positive way forward. Catriona is easy to talk to and has a wealth of experience and knowledge. I cannot thank her enough for supporting me through a very difficult time in my career.
I underestimated the coaching I would receive from Catriona; I actually didn’t know what I was expecting, but from the first session I was blown away! I instantly noticed a shift in my personal being and my attitude towards the complex situations I was facing. The simplicity and the way in which these sessions have a deep changing impact are life-altering. Catriona is gentle wise and compassionate, her ability to connect and hold space of pure truth is a gift. I truly am grateful for our time together. Had I not started the sessions, I would still be holding unnecessary consuming energy, and life’s challenges would have been a whole lot harder.
As an external support Catriona has been able to get to the key challenges much more quickly than someone who is embedded in the existing culture. Her rapport-building skills mean that this connection happens quickly and staff have reported back that feeling safe and having someone external who is focused on the positive aspects has been key to their individual success and improvement.”
I wasn’t sure what to expect; despite the initial tension I felt at ease and found the whole process helpful. Catriona was understanding, helpful, supportive and managed to mediate my problem with a colleague, to a positive conclusion for both involved – something I didn’t expect. I would recommend her to anyone, who has a working relationship difficulty.
I found the process that Catriona used to be empowering and enabling on many levels. I felt completely supported by Catriona. She created an engaging and protected environment, to enable us to make the most of the opportunity. We always had the chance to discuss any concerns. I would encourage anyone who is offered mediation to do it, as its definitely made life at work better.”
Mediation created a safe place for me to explain myself and the position I was coming from, while also helping me to understand the issues and perspectives of my colleague. It allowed us to mutually find a place where we could work and collaborate together. The agreement we created together has been very useful – allowing both of us to contract with each other in a way that didn’t seem possible before mediation. It has helped improve our working relationship and significantly reduced and removed the tension that existed before we started this process.”
