Family mediation
We offer mediation services to married and unmarried couples in the event of conflict and separation and after separation.
Family mediation supports parents who are contemplating divorce or have already decided to separate. It also assists families where partners have separated but require help adjusting to their new circumstances.
The mediator's primary responsibility is safeguarding the child's best interests and facilitating practical agreements between parents on matters such as:
- Joint or sole custody
- The child's primary residence
- Visitation & contact arrangements with the non-residential parent
- Division of financial responsibility for child maintenance
Formal agreements are finalized with the assistance of a child welfare officer.
Family mediation is a short-term service. Typically, parents attend sessions together, though individual meetings can be arranged on a one-time basis. If both parents agree-and it is in the child's best interests-the child may also participate.
All discussions are strictly confidential. Mediators adhere to an enhanced duty of confidentiality and are prohibited from disclosing information obtained during mediation, even if called to testify in court. The mediator cannot request or report information to other authorities without the explicit consent of both parties. The only exception is when there is concern for the child's safety or welfare; in such cases, mediators are legally obliged to notify child welfare authorities.