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Principles of Mediation

  • Confidentiality

    Mediation provides you with the opportunity to make decisions about the important things in your life without going to court.

  • Voluntary/freedom from pressure

    No-one attends mediation unless they want to and they can leave at any time and cannot be pressured into making an agreement.

  • Impartiality of mediator

    Mediators do not take sides or give advice but are responsible for the process and helping people to negotiate with each other constructively.

  • Fairness

    People who go to mediation are encouraged to reach solutions that feel fair to them, within the framework of the law.

  • Joint decision-making

    Mediation is a way for people to stay in control of the decisions that affect their lives and work out mutually acceptable solutions.

  • Available to all (but may not be suitable for all)

    Mediation should be accessible to everyone who wants to take part, but it is not necessarily suitable for everyone.

  • Child focused

    Family mediation is focused on the views and needs of children and is a private place for parents to plan together for the future care of their children.