What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process in which people can meet together with the help of a specially trained, neutral facilitator, to design a mutually acceptable agreement.

The Mediator helps people to take co-operative and reasonable approache towards problem solving, by building on what can work in the future, rather than staying stuck with what has not worked in the past.

The Mediator does not:

• Decide who is "right" or "wrong"
• Solve the problem for the parties
• Take sides

Mediation does not take the place of spouses' lawyers - the parties will be encouraged to maintain Independent Legal Advice throughout the process, and to review the final Mediated Agreement with their lawyer before signing.

What are the benefits of Mediation?

The benefits of family mediation are numerous.

1. Where children are involved, the focus is kept on the best interests of the children.
2. The ability to resolve issues in a way that suits the clients best and enables them to directly affect the outcome.
3. An opportunity to speak directly to the other person about issues of concern in a neutral and safe environment.
4. An opportunity to learn skills for better communication and cooperative problem solving.
5. Much less expensive and simpler than court processes.
6. Lessening tensions and removing an adversarial atmosphere.
7. The process is private.
8. The process is voluntary.

What is my role as a Mediator?

• I will help you to explore, understand and explain to each other your needs and concerns in a respectful fashion.
• I will help you work together to solve your common problems, using each other as a resource.
• I will help you explore, understand and explain to each other your views of the children's needs and plans for their care.
• I will help you explore the roles you will have in the parenting plan for the children.
• I will help you to develop creative -but creative- ideas to resolve differences in your plans for the children's care.
• I will help suggest possibilities if an impasse is reached, but not to make recommendations.
• I will diffuse conflict between people, and refocus the negotiation in a constructive manner.