‘Family mediation’ includes the mediation of disputes in actions for divorce, separation, annulment, establishment of paternity, probate and estate disputes, child custody or visitation, or child or spousal support.

Mediation is a non-adversarial process and occurs when a neutral third-party, who has training in dispute resolution, assists both parties to resolve the issues that are causing conflict and to make cooperative, informed decisions.

The benefits of mediating family disputes include:

• Your discussions are private and held behind closed doors with a highly qualified mediator ensuring complete confidentiality
  
  
• The mediation process is extremely efficient and structured to ensure that both parties are empowered with both individual and family needs taken into account in equal measure. You are never under pressure to agree to terms against your wishes
  
  
• Mediation is extremely cost-effective and time-efficient when compared to traditional litigation routes involving court preparation and representation
  
  
• You preserve control over your individual and your families future, all decisions are made cooperatively by the parties without interference from legal council or formal court orders
  
  
• More creative and satisfactory outcomes are generally the result of constructive face-to-face planning and discussion. Furthermore these outcomes are often more flexible than a court order could determine
  
  
• Family mediation will focus on children’s needs. Unlike many other types of dispute, couples with children are required to co-parent for many years despite their separation. As such, they often have a compelling interest in managing their relationship with each other with dignity and respect. Family mediation promotes this objective, with the obvious benefit to your children and to your own sense of personal peace