• Mediation's take place at a time and location to suit the parties and the mediator
  
• Mediation offers an opportunity for parties to tailor the process and the resolution of their dispute to suit their needs and circumstances
  
• Mediation is private
  
• Mediation usually costs much less for a family than litigation, with the result that more of the family’s property is available to the parties and their children.
  

• Joint sessions that provide an opportunity for the parties or their representatives to set out their interests / concerns to the other party or representative;
  
• Private sessions with the mediator to discuss possible agreements to meet each party’s particular interests / concerns;
  
• Joint sessions to discuss preferred outcomes;
  
• Recording of agreements reached; and
  
• If agreement isn’t reached, assistance with narrowing issues between the parties, thereby reducing Court time and expense.
  

Mediators almost without exception require each party to a mediation to agree that everything said at the mediation is confidential and may not be used in any subsequent court proceeding.

Mediators are aware of the need to preserve safety for parties and to ensure that each party is able to negotiate on a level playing field.

Mediators are trained to recognise power imbalances between parties and to take steps to promote self-determination in the mediation.