The Mediator's Role in Family Mediation

During family mediation, the mediator will:

• keep the best interests of the children as the paramount consideration
• help the parents to identify the issues you wish to discuss
• help the parents to remain focused on the issues
• manage the mediation process, so that those issues may be discussed
  
• help the parents to identify options as potential solutions to issues
• challenge each parent and reality test the reasoning behind discussions
• draft agreements in writing

The mediator will not:

• make decisions for the parents
• tell the parents what to do
• take sides with either parent
• provide legal advice to the parents

It is important to obtain legal advice in relation to attending family mediation. Parents may do this before, during and after the mediation process.  It is recommended, as a minimum, that legal advice be obtained prior to the mediation.