In mediation, couples are helped to look for their own solutions to their disputes.
Family mediation is also increasingly being used to solve other types of family problems, such as: disputes between a parent and child; disagreements over care for elderly or seriously ill relatives; grandparents contact with grandchildren, and; homelessness caused by family arguments.
Both parties explain their concerns and needs to each other in the presence of a qualified family mediator. The mediator is impartial, which means that they are not on anyone's side. They are there to help both parties, unlike a solicitor who only works for one party in each case. Sometimes the mediator will suggest a way of solving a problem to help them to reach an agreement acceptable to both, but they will never tell either party what to do.
