The benefits of Family Mediation

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Mediation is private.

Relationships are personal and so are the circumstances and fallout when they breakdown. With support, separating couples can decide together what is right for their families. The mediator can encourage creativity and make sure all the issues are discussed.

Mediation is confidential.

All discussions in mediation (with a very few legally required exceptions) are confidential and cannot be referred to in court unless the parties make a proposal for the courts agreement.

Mediation is impartial.

The mediator does not represent either separating party and will not discuss matters outside the mediation. The mediation supports the process of separation and the discussions over assets and how the care of the children is organised.

Mediation is non judgemental.

Mediators do not make judgements about what has happened in the past. As both parties have agreed to mediate their separation, the focus is on how to resolve the issues between them and move forward, looking to the future.

Mediation is cost effective.

Arguments and legal wrangling cost time and money. Family mediation is usually a joint meeting between the separating couple and the mediator. Mediators help separating couples come up with, and agree, proposals that work in practice. Mediators are trained to assist the couple look at all the issues between them. The separating couple know their finances and children and can be supported to make the decisions that are best for everyone.

Couples are supported to work together with the mediator so the disclosure of assets and financial information is completed in a cost effective way. Helping couples keep more of what they've got.

Mediation is empowering.

Mediation allows both separating parties to take control and resolve the issues themselves. It is a good position to start from, but more importantly it is good to finish the process knowing that control of the process and the proposals were maintained. It also gives the separated parties a ‘set or rules’ or ‘a way of behaving’ that allows them to come together and talk about issues that arise. This is a very important benefit of mediation as separated couples, particularly those with children, have a shared history and there may be occasions when the ex-partners have to meet.

Mediation is fair to both parties-

-and puts children in the centre of the decision making.

The mediator has the ability to assist both parties to put their solutions across in the efforts to decide how family assets will be divided and how children spend their time. The mediator will be able to discuss with parents the option of seeing their children separately to share the children's views on their future.

Mediators are trained and skilled to encourage both parties to get independent advice if they feel the decisions made are not in any one party’s best interests.