When a loved one is getting older and facing important decisions during the next transition in life, it is not uncommon for concerned family members to disagree about the next steps. In some situations, these disagreements can deteriorate into time-consuming, expensive and acrimonious legal battles. Having an objective professional get involved early in the process may be able to prevent or stop these battles. Below, learn more about the elder care mediation process and how it may benefit you and your family.

Role of the Mediator

A mediator is a person with a background in the areas discussed. This may be a lawyer, but very often it may be a counselor, social worker, businessperson, health care professional or other person familiar with elder care matters. The mediator asks appropriate questions and tries to find common grounds between the parties in an attempt to resolve the legal matter. The mediator does not impose any decision on the parties; the process is completely voluntary, and the parties only sign an agreement if they reach one. The mediator is objective and does not represent any party’s interests.

Benefits of the Mediation Process

Mediators can help the parties consider new options about how they can personally solve the problem they are confronting. This can help the parties develop creative solutions to their problem without judicial intervention. The parties get to maintain control over the situation instead of having a judge unfamiliar with the family imposing decisions on the parties. Additionally, mediation can provide an early resolution to problems to prevent disruption of the family unit. The parties work together to attack the problem instead of attacking each other through litigation. If the parties are able to reach an agreement, they can avoid a costly legal battle.