Mediation for Seniors

Nothing works quite like an adversarial court system to force people to consider alternative ways to settle hostile disputes. Certainly the court dockets remain filled with cases moving toward a dispute resolution of some type. But that process can be long and very expensive.

Historically the role of mediators has emerged as the “go to” option for many people to avoid long and costly court battles. As more people enter into the final stages of life, mediators are finding a new market opportunity assisting families and older adults in resolving emotional conflicts involving inheritances, trust funds, care giving and estate management.

“Elder Mediation” seems to be the term of choice that describes this growing market opportunity. Qualified mediators can be hired just as you would an attorney with private hourly fees ranging from $100 to $400+ per hour. But families can also find community based non-profit mediation services that can be engaged with minimal cost and some cases without any charges.

Many families are pursuing mediation to address sensitive and private matters because the proceedings of a mediated dispute are private whereas the courts are open to the public. The challenge in the mediation process is for both parties to honor the decisions of the mediation process since the mediator has no real authority to impose or enforce a settlement.

While the market for elder mediation is growing, don’t assume the process is designed to heal old family wounds or deliver some type of therapeutic value. The mediator will intercept and deal with family dynamics solely to reach a decision regarding the dispute, not to repair dysfunctional relationships.

The steps in the mediation process can unfold in different ways depending on the style of the mediator involved. Some may conduct activities with the parties in separate locations while others find a face to face process is more effective for a long term settlement on sensitive age related issues.

Regardless of style, a successful mediation process requires a formal set of ground rules that all parties agree upon and a commitment to acting and speaking with respect during the process.

The market for mediation services is likely to see continued growth as retirement, estate and end of life issues surface among family members. If you need a mediator, be sure to ask specifically for an “elder mediator” and then call references to ensure you engage an organization or person that has the needed experience.

Go to the website of the National Association for Community Mediation http://nafcm.org and click on specific links to community based mediation centers or go to http://Mediate.com to locate mediators offering private services.
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About the Author

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at http://For-Seniors.org