The Family Mediator’s Primary Task in a Family Mediation is to Assist Parties by Facilitating Those Difficult Conversations That Hinder Resolution and Finalization of a Matter
Family Law Disputes are particularly well placed for resolution through a Family Mediation process. This is particularly so, as the mediation process does not only focus on the specific areas of conflict between disputing family members but by virtue of its very nature of ring-fencing potential future conflict it also serves to increase the likelihood of beneficial on-going relationship being maintained between family members. This is particularly advantageous where children are the subject matter of the dispute as it augurs well for future interaction and communication as well as future problem-solving.
The areas of focus for Family Mediation are myriad and include:-
- Proprietary Settlement
- Division of Assets and Liabilities
- Children’s Issues
- Children Born Out of Wedlock
- Parental Responsibilities and Rights in respect of Children
- Parenting Plans & Parental Responsibilities and Rights Agreements
- Child Maintenance – Quantum and Scope of Parental Liability
- Spousal Maintenance – Quantum, Duration of Spousal Maintenance Liability
- Financial and Other Support of Extended Family Members including the Elderly
- Testamentary Dispositions and Resolution of Conflict Issues Between Heirs and Beneficiaries
- Resolution of Family and Extended-Family Dispute
Other focus areas which a Family Mediator could well get involved in as Mediator includes various Relationship-orientated Disputes including:-
- Neighbour & Neighbourhood Disputes
- Noise
- Boundaries
- Animals
- Relationship Disputes Between Third Parties
- Social, Recreational, Religious Affiliation Disputes
- Workplace Disputes
- School / Educational Institution Disputes with Parents & Learners
For further reading see also https://www.traceyleighwessels.com/salient-features-mediation/