What are the Benefits of Mediation/Conciliation:

• Mediation/conciliation allows parents to make their own decisions, rather than have them imposed by a judge/magistrate. Research shows that decisions made by parents are more likely to be adhered to in the long term, because they are more committed to, and happier with them. Research also reveals that  parental conflict is exacerbated by protracted legal proceedings, which can become chronic and detrimental to children's development, education and relationships
• Parents who reach a joint decision about future arrangements for their children present as a united front to their children. This gives children confidence that their parents can effectively communicate and cooperate, even though they have separated
• The process facilitates understanding and cooperation, and consequently agreements that work for children as well as their parents. Some parents report a better post separation parental relationship following mediation/conciliation
• Mediation/conciliation is less expensive and faster than seeking a decision through Court
• The process is confidential and therefore avoids sensitive information being revealed in Court.