The Role of the Family Mediator

Family Mediators are trained to assist couples who are separating or divorcing in finding creative options for the resolution of their disputes; options that place the needs of any children at the centre of their agreement. The Mediator:

• Facilitates communication and problem solving
• Provides a safe and supportive setting to discuss issues
• Ensures discussions are meaningful and respectful
• Assists people to identify needs, create and evaluate solutions, make decisions and word their own agreements
• Encourages parents to assess their current financial situation and determine how they will provide for future needs
• Offers clients information on other community resources
• Acts in a neutral, unbiased and non-judgmental manner

When mediation is over, the mediator prepares a Summary of the matters agreed upon by the parties and gives a copy to each party.