Co-parenting with an alcoholic can be a challenging situation, especially when it comes to child custody. Substance abuse can pose a danger to children, and it’s important to take steps to protect them. One way to do this is through mediation. Mediation can help parents work together to create a parenting plan that takes into account the needs of the children and the challenges posed by alcoholism. It can also provide a safe space for parents to discuss their concerns and come up with solutions that work for everyone. In some cases, a custody order or negotiated agreement can stipulate alcohol ..read more

Property mediation is a process of resolving disputes between parties in the real estate industry. Mediation is a flexible approach compared to the rigid and tedious legal processes which most often require the services of a lawyer to present before a court In South Africa, despite the long delays in the courts that existed before the pandemic, and which have only worsened thereafter, only 2% of South Africans considered mediation as a form of dispute resolution in 2018/2019 according to Statistics SA In South Africa, mediation is a voluntary process that offers several advantages in resolving ..read more

Debt mediation is a process that allows a consumer and a creditor to negotiate the reduction of the consumer’s monthly repayment commitments as well as the interest being charged when the consumer has been unable to pay what they owe for an extended time During the mediation process, a neutral and independent mediator helps the debtor and creditor to confidentially reach an agreement with either a lump sum payment or a lower monthly payment Debt mediation is a way to get your financial life back on track instead of taking drastic measures such as filing for bankruptcy WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ..read more

Judgment was passed on an Appeal case in March 2023, in the Gauteng High Court in favour of a non-biological parent. Some details have been removed from this story to protect the identity of all involved The story Jim and Sarah (not their real names) story is not unheard of in today’s times. They met on social media at a time when Sarah was pregnant with another man’s child which she did not disclose until they were in a relationship. This did not deter Jim, as he had no biological children of his own. They stayed in a relationship and when the child was about 1 year old they moved in together ..read more

In today’s increasingly complex and litigious society, the traditional route of legal action is often the default choice for resolving disputes. However, an alternative approach, mediation, has gained recognition as a superior method for conflict resolution. Mediation offers a wide range of benefits that make it a more efficient, cost-effective, and mutually beneficial option compared to the adversarial nature of legal proceedings. This article explores the advantages of mediation over legal action and highlights why it is a valuable tool in modern dispute resolution. Promotes Collaborative Pr ..read more

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes between two or more parties with the assistance of a neutral third party called a mediator. The goal of mediation is to help parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution to their conflict without the need for litigation or going to court. During mediation, the mediator works with the parties to facilitate communication and negotiation. The mediator helps the parties to identify the underlying issues and interests that are driving the dispute and assists them in exploring options for resolution. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions f ..read more

By being empathetic, actively listening, reframing the conversation, keeping the focus on the issues, separating the people from the problem, and using caucusing when necessary, a good mediator can help parties reach a resolution A good mediator knows that parties in a mediation may be irrational or emotional and understands how to manage these situations. Here are some ways that a good mediator can deal with irrational parties in a mediation that is mutually beneficial. Empathy: The mediator should be empathetic towards the parties and acknowledge their feelings and perspectives. This can hel ..read more

Mediation is a process that involves a neutral third party, the mediator, helping two or more parties resolve their dispute outside of the court system. One of the key tools used in mediation is brainstorming, which can help generate creative and mutually beneficial solutions to the dispute. Here are some tips for using brainstorming effectively in mediation: Set Ground RulesBefore starting the brainstorming session, it is important to establish ground rules that emphasize mutual respect, active listening, and an open-minded approach to problem-solving. This will help ensure that everyone feel ..read more

Involving children in the mediation process can be beneficial, as it allows them to express their thoughts and feelings about the situation and to have a say in the outcome. However, it is important to ensure that children are protected throughout the process. Here are some ways that children can be involved in the mediation process while still being protected: Age-appropriate participation: Children should only be involved in the mediation process if they are old enough to understand the situation and have the capacity to express their views. The mediator should consider the child’s age, matu ..read more

The participants of mediation play a critical role in achieving a successful outcome. Without their willingness to engage in the process and work towards finding a solution, mediation can be ineffective. First and foremost, participants should be willing to participate in the mediation process. This means that they should be open to the idea of mediation as a way to resolve the dispute and willing to engage in constructive dialogue with the other party. Without this basic willingness to participate, mediation cannot succeed. Active listening is also crucial for successful mediation. Participan ..read more