Family Mediation

Family Mediation
Referral Form

Family Mediation: Dealing with relationship breakdown without going to court

Family Mediation is a voluntary process which can enable individuals to resolve disputes related to:

• Their separation and divorce
• Disputes between a parent and a child
• Disagreement over care for an elderly or seriously ill relative
• Grandparent contact with their grandchildren
• Any other issues which may cause disagreement within a broad family situation

Mediation offers both/all parties an opportunity to explain their concerns, needs and future objectives to each other in the presence of one (sometimes two) qualified family mediator.

The mediator is impartial, and there for both/all parties; not on anyone’s side, unlike a solicitor who represents only one person or one group.

The mediator does not tell people what to do; but she/he can review the issues raised by the parties, suggest options they might wish to consider to find a solution, help each person to have some understanding of the other person’s point of view and offer an alternative perspective which may enable the parties to reach an agreement they both find acceptable.

The mediator can give information about the law but cannot give anyone legal advice about what to do.

During the mediation process individuals are responsible for and empowered to make their own informed decisions.