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Mediation is the process by which families can negotiate about future arrangements for children with the help of a neutral third party. The mediator does not tell parties what to do, but can help the parties to reach their own agreements amicably, whilst trying to improve communication between them as an impartial facilitator.

Mediation empowers separated couples to find an outcome themselves, with or without lawyers being involved. Discussions in mediation are ‘without prejudice’ and cannot be used as evidence in Court if an agreement isn’t reached.

Mediators provide a structure/process for discussions to occur. They address:

• Power imbalances between the opposing sides through interventions
• Assist the parties to better understand the interests and concerns of the other party
• Facilitate negotiation

Mediation is recommended when parents find it hard to agree on making suitable arrangements for children after a family breakdown. There are several advantages to attending mediation, such as:

• Giving you more control over what decisions are made in relation to children, rather than applying to the courts;
• Providing a less stressful way of dealing with sensitive matters;
• Improving communication and helping you to sort out future arrangements;
• Allowing arrangements to be reviewed and changed easier, so long as they are mutually agreed by both parties

The Facilitative Model is the model highly recommended for family matters, both parenting and property matters, because at the heart of Facilitative Mediation is the ability for the parties to have a voice and self-determination. Both these aspects are empowering for parties who need to continue their relationship as parents or finalising their property arrangements.