Hello Mediation – The What and Why of Mediation.

You and the other party have separated and are involved in a dispute. It relates to some very important stuff – your property and, the most important thing of all, your children.

You may or may not have involved lawyers.  You may or may not be involved in the court process; irrespective of those issues, you can mediate.

Mediation is a whole hearted effort to explore options and resolve matters without ego getting in the way.

Mediation is a chance for both parties to come together (although you don’t necessarily have to be in the same room) and try and reach agreement about the family law matters – the stuff you can’t agree about.

With the help of a Mediator, who is a neutral third person and who has skills to guide you through a process – it is the best chance you have to reach agreement and a positive outcome. Doing it this way keeps you out of court and best of all reduces conflict and stress for everyone, including the kids.

Mediation can happen in many different ways:

  • face to face mediation where both parties are in the same room;
  • a shuttle mediation where the mediator “shuttles” or moves between the parties who are in two separate rooms;
  • online mediation where you have the help of electronic communication – telephone, Skype or Zoom to mediate.

No one wants to spend time or money in the Court system and be locked into legal matters for years. Mediation is a quicker, more affordable option to reach an agreement. Next week we will look at the 3 top tips for preparing for mediation – keep an eye out for this blog.

Joelene Nel is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, she has 15 years experience helping parties resolve matters after separation. Joelene works as a family lawyer at McLaughlins Lawyers but her most challenging [and rewarding] role is that of raising of two children. Call Joelene on (07) 5591 5099 or email her at [email protected] to see how she can help you.

 

Author: Joelene Nel

Director: Sophie Pearson

Date: 15 May 2019