Mediation is an assisted negotiation process. The mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between parties to help them uncover their true interests and needs. 

Often these interests or needs, when surfaced, turn out to be quite different from their declared positions. 

From these interests, the mediator helps the parties derive mutually acceptable decisions. The mediator doesn’t judge nor impose decisions.

For mediation to take place, all parties must agree to mediate their dispute. Things said at mediation are confidential and cannot be used in court.

Mediation has been proven to be a successful alternative in resolving disputes without going to court. When parties turn to courts, the litigious nature of the legal proceedings can hurt relationships, sometimes permanently. Legal proceedings also incur high costs.  And so mediation can help to preserve relationships and save money.

Some people who could benefit from mediation:

• Disputing couples in disagreement over specific issues
• Divorced or divorcing couples dealing with custody, maintenance and property disputes
• Colleagues at the workplace dealing with conflicts
• Persons involved in inter-organisational disputes
• Family disputes on eldercare, probate and estate matters
• Anyone involved in a relational dispute (e.g. neighbours, friends, parent-child)