Family mediation

Family mediation is usually a short process that can consist of one to five meetings. The parents are met either together or separately as required. The child can also participate in the mediation if the parents so wish and it is in the best interests of the child. The special task of the mediator is to ensure the position of the child in the separation. The mediator helps the parents put the child's affairs in order in an amicable manner. It means agreeing on the following things: - will the parents have joint custody of the child - who will the child live with - how will the child see the parent with whom they are not living - how the parents will manage the child support for the child. Family mediation is confidential. The mediator is subject to an obligation of confidentiality that is stricter than usually, and they may not disclose the information disclosed to them during the mediation to any outside party, not even to a court, not even if they are called to act as a witness in a trial. The mediator has no right to obtain information about the family from other authorities without the consent of the parties concerned. However, the obligation of confidentiality is not binding on the mediator if the mediation reveals that child welfare services are needed. In this case, the mediator is obligated to file a child welfare notification.

Conditions for receiving the Service

Family mediation is intended for parents who are considering separation or who have already decided to separate. Mediation is also available to families where the spouses have already separated, but the family requires support from a mediator to adapt to the new situation. Family mediation is governed by Section 14 of the Social Welfare Act and Sections 20-23 a of the Marriage Act.

The service is free of charge.