Areas of Mediation
We are qualified mediators specializing in a variety of mediation.
Family Law Mediation
Family Law Mediation is a peaceful yet effective alternative to divorce litigation. It is a form of dispute resolution between two or more parties with concrete effects. The basis of these disputes arise from issues of:
- Custody, Access and Maintenance of the child(ren), and/or
- Division of assets and spousal maintenance
- Customary Law / Islamic Law Issues
- Parental Rights, including the rights of unmarried fathers
Successful Mediation thus preserves the relationship between parties particularly when future communication between the parties is necessary in the upbringing of their children.
Court-Annexed Mediation
The Rules Board for the courts of Law have amended the rules regulating the conduct of proceedings of the Magistrates Courts of South Africa with a view of introducing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms by way of court-annexed mediation, aimed at facilitating an expeditious and cost-effective resolution of a dispute between litigants or potential litigants, as well as assisting litigants or potential litigants to determine at an early stage of litigation or prior to commencement of litigation, whether proceeding with a trial or an opposed application would in fact be in their best interests or not. There are rules applicable to these mediation sessions but will not be discussed here.
If the dispute is resolved, and Mediation successful, not only is a settlement agreement incorporating the terms of the settlement drafted and filed at court to close the matter, but the parties can continue their business relationships and dealings without any negativity.
Workplace Mediation
Workplace Mediation is a confidential, informal and voluntary process whereby an impartial mediator facilitates communication between those in dispute to assist them in developing mutually acceptable agreements to improve their future working relationship. Mediation can be effective at all levels of the organization.
Commercial Mediation
Each year, many millions of business transactions take place. Occasionally, disagreements develop over these business transactions. Many of these disputes are resolved by arbitration, the voluntary submission of a dispute to an impartial person or persons for final and binding determination. Arbitration has proven to be an effective way to resolve these disputes privately, promptly, and economically. If a dispute arises out of or relates to a contract, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. In mediation, the neutral mediator assists the parties in reaching a settlement but does not have the authority to make a binding decision or award, although the Settlement Agreement remains binding on the parties and an Application may be pursued in order to have such Agreement endorsed as an Order of Court.
Mediation X
Just about any matter can mediated if parties adopt the mindset to resolve the issues in dispute. Mediation is a process used Internationally to settle disputes between countries. It can be used in our own homes to resolve cases pertaining to parent-child conflict, divorces and even sexual harassment. Mediation can be used not only to resolve disagreements with business partners or co-workers but it can also be effectively used to enhance business ventures and professional relationships. Surprising to many would be the concept of utilizing Mediation in the Criminal Sphere, a specialized area of Mediation which would be elaborated upon at enquiry.
School Dispute Mediation
We would all agree that positive experiences of education are crucial in child-development, and that good relationships between key-players such as schools, the parent(s) and the child impact significantly on educational outcomes. However, we are faced daily with instances of abuse, bullying or other issues causing a breakdown of a relationship between school and parents, students and teachers, or students and their classmates, all of which can directly impact on the parent-child relationship as well. All these disputes can be resolved with a positive outcome and healthy future relationship for all parties.