Introduction
It is hard to disagree that most people do not want to be engaged in extended, costly, and too formal trials when they need to solve their disputes. Fortunately, numerous Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs are offered by all states – these options allow people to resolve disputes without a trial. Thus, one of the alternatives provided by the government of West Virginia is Family Court-Ordered Mediation (West Virginia Judiciary, n.d.).
Discussion
As noticed on the websites of the California Court ADR and West Virginia Judiciary (n.d.), mediation is a rather effective way for parties that are in some form of relationship to come to an agreement. In other words, “mediation is an informal process of working out differences between people using the help of a neutral third party called a mediator,” and the program discussed here is specifically for parents (West Virginia Judiciary, n.d., para. 2). Unlike the California Court ADR site, West Virginia Judiciary (n.d.) is not very informative, but the necessary information can still be found on the webpage.
Thus, for example, Family Court-Ordered Mediation is not suitable for the victims of domestic abuse, parents with mental illnesses or addictions, and cases of child neglect, which is also indicated on the California site. Consequently, the first step of this entire process is the family court office providing premeditation screening to determine if the procedure is appropriate. Then, an agency or a person is assigned by the court to conduct the mediation. The process can be both free of charge or paid (West Virginia Judiciary, n.d.).
Conclusion
The essence of this procedure is to allow the parties to express their point of view, listen to a specialist who can analyze the situation better, and possibly come to an agreement or compromise. Family Court-Ordered Mediation is helpful for those who want to continue their business, family, neighbor, or other relationships.
Reference
West Virginia Judiciary. (n.d.). Family court-ordered mediation in West Virginia. Web.