What is Mediation?

Mediation is a private and confidential dispute resolution process in which an independent and neutral third party, the Mediator, seeks to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The process is voluntary and either party can withdraw at any time. When agreement is reached between the parties, the Mediator records the client’s Agreement in a Note of Mediated Agreement. A competent Mediator brings skills and techniques to any conflict, including marriage separation, family disputes, commercial and organisational disputes and any other area where people who feel something that they hold dear is about to be negatively affected by another.

What is the Role of the Mediator?

The Mediator does not decide who is right or wrong or issue a judgment in favour of one party. The Mediator’s function is to support the process, gather information and assist in problem-solving. The Mediator seeks to clarify the issues, identify possible options and solutions, explore short, medium and long term consequences of the possible solutions, for all parties involved. The Mediator assists the parties to communicate and negotiate constructively. Resolutions must emerge from the Mediation that are created and accepted by all parties. Agreements made in face to face negotiations are more likely to be honoured. In order to reach Agreement the Mediator shall skilfully manage the conflict.