When Family Mediation Will Be Appropriate

Family law mediation is appropriate for parents who are civil with each other, as well as for parents experiencing high conflict. Where there are power imbalances between parents, it is the role of the mediator as an unbiased third party to place them on an even playing field throughout the mediation, which may be achieved by ensuring that each parent effectively communicates their interests and concerns, or even by conducting Shuttle Mediation, which is mediation from two separate rooms.

Unfortunately, family law mediation is not appropriate for every case. As a process, it may not be appropriate where legal issues need to be determined, where a document needs to be interpreted, or where an urgent injunction is required. In addition, mediation as a process may not be appropriate where there is a history of intimidation and domestic violence between parents, or where there is a power imbalance that is such that it prevents one parent from effectively participating during the mediation.