In some cases – particularly those where there is a history of coercive behaviour or emotional distress – shuttle mediation may be the only way that the former couple can meet and discuss their issues.
Shuttle mediation involves the parties remaining separate and having their sessions with the mediator in turn rather than meeting together. There are several advantages to using this form of mediation.
Confidentiality
Shuttle mediation takes place without the parties meeting face to face. Instead, they sit in separate rooms (physically or virtually via telephone or video) while the mediator ‘shuttles’ back and forth between them to help them find a resolution.
This means that participants are able to discuss confidential information in private, allowing them to reach an agreement on their dispute. The mediation process can also save the participants money as they avoid costly litigation.
Enhanced Communication: The mediator can help both sides communicate more effectively by paraphrasing and summarising information. This can be particularly helpful for partners in a business situation as it allows the mediator to cut through superfluous issues and focus on the key points.
However, it’s important to remember that some disputes simply cannot be resolved through shuttle mediation alone. If the dispute involves domestic violence or high conflict, it is often more appropriate for the mediator to meet both parties face-to-face to ensure safety and confidentiality.
Flexibility
In cases where the chemistry is bad or a joint session would be counterproductive, mediators may use shuttle mediation to get things started. A mediator can move back and forth between rooms, using information and arguments to sow doubt in the other party’s mind or to test tolerance levels.
Business conflict resolution is another application for shuttle mediation. A mediator can help parties discuss contractual issues in a confidential setting, clarifying misunderstandings and facilitating negotiations for revised terms that allow the parties to preserve their working relationship.
Shuttle mediation can also be used to mediate family disputes, particularly high-conflict divorce cases. In these situations, couples hire attorneys and the mediator “shuttles” between them, keeping the parties separate. This can be done in person or online, with the parties sitting in different rooms, or by contacting each party individually over the phone. This approach is sometimes more effective than a face-to-face meeting and can save time, money and publicity that might be associated with litigation.
Time-Saving
The mediator’s work can be accelerated, particularly if each party is willing to negotiate in stages rather than in one session. This can also help parties avoid the cost and stress of court proceedings, especially where children are involved.
This style of mediation can be conducted in person with the parties remaining in separate rooms or it can take place online or via phone call between each party and the mediator. Typically, this type of mediation is most common in commercial disputes but can also be used in family matters.
Shuttle mediation can be particularly helpful for business issues that involve misunderstandings and disagreements. The mediator can clarify these misunderstandings and facilitate negotiations on revised terms, saving the business relationship and avoiding costly litigation battles. Similarly, shuttle mediation can be very effective in settling partnership conflicts. For example, the mediator can clarify a dispute over management decisions or financial matters. The mediator can also help partners refocus their goals, resulting in renewed trust and collaboration.
Cost-Effective
Shuttle mediation can be very cost-effective compared to going through the lengthy and expensive process of litigation. This is particularly true in cases that involve high-conflict situations such as domestic violence or cases where children are involved and parents need to learn to co-parent effectively.
During shuttle sessions, the mediator meets each party separately to discuss their concerns and what they are seeking from the other parties. The mediator can then help both sides find common ground and work towards reaching an agreement.
Shuttle mediation can be conducted in person (with the parties being in separate rooms), online, or over the telephone. If you would like to explore the possibility of shuttle mediation in your case, please let your mediator know at your MIAM appointment so that they can ensure the appropriate arrangements are put in place.
