Mediation

Family Mediation

This takes place in a series of meetings and usually involves 5 stages:

1. 1.   The mediation information and assessment meeting
2. 2.   Obtaining commitment and agreeing rules
3. 3.   Information gathering
4. 4.   Facilitating discussions and negotiations
5. 5.   Concluding the mediation
7. Each mediation session lasts about 1 ½ hours.  The number of sessions will depend on the issues but five or six sessions are not uncommon.
9. The mediated agreement is not legally binding until agreed openly between you outside of the mediation process and it is then still subject to the approval of the court.
11. If it is clear that you cannot reach an agreement, the mediation will end without a resolution although often the issues will have been narrowed and you may be closer to achieving overall agreement.
13. The key to success of family mediation is that you own and control the process and your communication and negotiation with your partner is facilitated by a mediator who is skilled in handling difficult emotional relationships and situations. All of our mediators are qualified family lawyers.
15. Family mediation can be a cost effective option. It can also be hugely beneficial, particularly if you will have an ongoing relationship as parents.