During negotiation, options will be discussed and offers may be made. Voluntary agreements may be made between the parties. It is important to get legal advice before using mediation so that you are well informed about your legal rights and obligations. Also, legal assistance will be necessary to make your agreements legally binding. Do NOT offer counselling Do NOT make decisions Do NOT take sides with either party.
Mediation works best when the parties have a clear and rational perception of the issues.
Parties must be able to articulate their own needs and feelings and be willing to use the process and abide by the rules. As with counselling, mediation is confidential and what is said during mediation cannot be used later in Court. Back to the top Costs of mediation Community-based family mediation services charge fees according to people's capacity to pay. Private mediators have their own charges and you should check their individual rate. Back to the top Mediation vs Counselling Mediation is NOT counselling Counselling and mediation are different but useful processes which can both assist you in different ways.