Litigating disputed dissolution and custody matters can be brutal, expensive, time consuming and emotionally devastating to the parties. Mediation brings the parties together, and with the help of a mediator they resolve their own disputes.   Conflict Solutions does not act as a mediator in family matters, but we support mediation in family matters and will provide you with information, referrals and resources to help you resolve your family conflict.

Separation and divorce are among the most painful and disruptive events that an individual and family can experience. The problems are both financial and emotional, deeply touching all members of the family.

Mediation aims at reducing this tension, not increasing it. With the help of the mediator, couples negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences. Mediation is for couples who want to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives and don't want their children caught in the middle.

Mediation is not just for couples who already know how to cooperate. Mediators show people how to work together productively in spite of their anger.

During mediation other professional services are sometimes needed. We maintain a wide network of consultants including accountants, lawyers, financial planners, career counselors, psychotherapists and child psychologists, all who are familiar with the mediation process.

• Negotiations take place with the assistance of an unbiased mediator who facilitates the discussions

• Both parties are made to feel safe and comfortable in each other's presence

• It allows the parties to take charge of their lives and design a plan for their future and the future of their children

• It facilitates, promotes and improves communication between the parties

• Positional and hard bargaining tactics are not allowed

• It promotes understanding by allowing the parties to exchange views and information

• It reduces tension and hostility between the parties

• It encourages co-operation and trust

• The parties are given the opportunity to express their feelings associated with ending the marriage

• The position of the other party is not filtered through lawyers, which often enflames the dispute

• The parties control the outcome

• Courts are limited to the type of solutions they can impose. The parties to mediation have limitless options and can agree on creative alternatives to the rigid court imposed options.

• Mediated settlements generally work better because the parties worked co-operatively to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement, rather than experiencing the adversarial process to reach a mutual solution

• Preserves family relationships; a Settlement Meeting will not tell the parties how to do that

• Mediation can make termination of a relationship more amicable and less traumatic

• It empowers the parties to solve their own dispute and find a compromise that works for both of them
  A mutually acceptable solution lets both parties be winners and respect each other

• The parties can deal with the issue of new partners

• Post-divorce relations are easier among the parties and extended family

• Provides a way for families who are splitting into parts to learn to deal with the changes in roles, duties and
  opportunities and to face those changes with emotional balance