Mediation

The greatest advantage of mediation is that you solve the problem yourselves. With mediation you examine possibilities that are acceptable to both of you. This process takes place with a professional mediator who is completely neutral and independent. The mediator directs, guides and guards the process but you think of the solution yourselves. He or she will stimulate and guide you in creatively looking for a solution. Nothing is being forced on you. The goal is not only solving the point of conflict, but improving and facilitating the communication and understanding for each other. Often mediation leads to the healing of a good atmosphere between those involved. The agreements you make as a result of a mediation process, for example a visitation plan for the children, distribution of costs and goods, are taken up in a covenant you sign. If you want you can take it to a Dutch "Notaris" or lawyer to have the divorce finalized.

Conditions Necessary for Mediation

• Mediation works on the basis of autonomy, trust and complete neutrality.
• You have to be motivated to be willing to solve the conflict.
• You agree to confidentiality.
• The mediator is strictly non partisan.
• She explains to you both beforehand what the house rules are. You must be active in solving the conflict and you need to adhere to the normal rules of conduct.
• Before mediation begins, you sign a mediation agreement which states that you want to solve the conflict.
• You have to be authorized to sign the agreement.

What can you expect?

The Procedure
When you contact us we won't hear at length about the conflict from just one party member. In this way the neutrality of the mediator is guaranteed.

During the first appointment you and the "other party" explain what the conflict is about.

The behavior rules, complaint procedures, mediation agreement and basic house rules are handed to you and explained. Your alternative options are examined with you. If you choose to take the route of mediation then you sign the mediation agreement.

Sometimes mediation can be finished in 3 sessions, sometimes it takes longer. In the Netherlands 10 sessions is the average length of a mediation process. You are never kept in a mediation process longer than is necessary.