Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary structured process whereby a qualified neutral third party assists the disputing couple in reaching a mutually agreeable and reasonable solution to the identified issues. The mediator’s role is not to provide counseling, therapy or legal advise but to facilitate the discussion, provide legal information, provide options and assist in defining and clarifying issues and examining and evaluating options. The mediator does not make a decision but assists the couple in reaching an agreement that best fits the couple’s particular circumstances and situation. Although not all mediations are successful, a successful mediation is generally cost effective, time efficient, and allows the couple to remain in control of the process, the issues and the solutions. The mediation process also provides an opportunity for open discussion between the parties of the options, ideas and solutions. Participants tend to be more satisfied with the results of a mediated agreement than a court imposed decision and there tends to be less re-litigation, particularly around parenting issues.