Connecting, Collaborating, Expertise.

“Conflict is inevitable but combat is optional.” ~ Max Lucado

Mediation provides an opportunity to make choices and decisions

to resolve issues or conflict outside of court.

Mediators facilitate discussions between parties and their advisors, with a view to identifying the source of conflict, what is informing the parties’ decision-making, the interests and objectives of the parties and assisting identify resolution opportunities that are mutually acceptable to parties – that may not be achievable in court.

Accredited mediators are trained with conflict management skills, to remain neutral and ensure confidentiality.

Trusting the skills and experience of the mediator is critical.

As with most life decisions, the decision/selection of a suitable mediator is critical to the success mediation process and outcomes. Variables for consideration include:

• nature of dispute: some mediators have particular expertise in specific areas, other mediators are skilled as neutrals with broad experience to mediate disputes/conflict and work positively with the parties/ people, regardless of the nature of the dispute
• mediator qualifications: in Australia, mediation standards and mediator skills are regulated by the National Mediation Accreditation Standards: Mediator Standards Board – Implementing the NMAS (msb.org.au)
• mediator skills, credibility and experience
• required specific mediator content/subject/particular skills/ knowledge is required – commercial or family? workplace? cultural or language?
• professionalism and communication responsiveness: trust
• location, availability and fees (and what is included in the fees).
• style of mediation: face to face, on-line or shuttle (same venue, different rooms)