5 Important Things you need to know about Family Mediation

In recent years family mediation has been the preferred method to prevent and also resolve any family issues and disputes – this is especially important when children are involved. Mediation is becoming more and more popular because of the fact that freely negotiated agreements can aid in restoring communication, understanding and trust.

Here are 5 important things you need to know about family mediation:

> Choosing family mediation will help to resolve conflict and reach an agreement on the issues surrounding certain issues such as separation or divorce.

> Family mediation allows you to reach a mutual joint decision without spending months in court.

> Your partner or ex-partner can meet in a safe, neutral space with a professional mediator to work out your plans for the future.

> A mediator will never tell you what to do; they will only help you by looking at different options and ways to come to a mutual agreement. This will help sort certain things out in a peaceful manner such as the arrangements for children, finances and property.

> Family mediation is always a voluntary and confidential process.

Cape Mediators are professionals with a wealth of skills and experience in family mediation and conflict resolution. We deliver mediation at the highest accredited standard – If you are seeking mediation please call 082 422 3324 or email mike@capemediators.co.za

7 Signs that your Partner is cheating & it’s time for Divorce Mediation!

Cheating can destroy relationships as well as marriages; this is why it helps to know what signs to look out for if you suspect your partner is cheating.

Divorce is full of negative feelings such as anger, sadness, frustration and disappointment. This is why it is best to resolve the issue in a peaceful way and avoid all the stress as well as a lengthy divorce trial. Contact Cape Mediators today and we’ll help you settle your divorce – call 082 422 3324 or email mike@capemediators.

Be sure to look out for these 7 common signs that reveal that your partner is cheating…

Password Protection – Suddenly changing passwords or implementing new ones could be a sign that he is hiding something.

Cell phone Guarding – He won’t let you use his cell phone, he sleeps with it right next to his bed and takes it into the bathroom with him – these are all common signs.

Appearance – Has he suddenly gone from wearing shorts and a t-shirt to fancy suits, shiny shoes and cologne you’ve never smelled before?

No Intimacy – When you reject him and he doesn’t put up a fight like he usually does then this could be a sign of infidelity.

Social Activities – An important business meeting or a party is a common excuse, so be aware when your partner is all of a sudden going out of town.

Frequent Gifts – If he is feeling guilty about being unfaithful he will try and cover it up by buying you gifts and spoiling you more than usual.

Social Media – Keep an eye on his social media profiles, are there less pictures of you and more solo shots and group images? Be aware of how much time they spend on social media as well!

While these are the common signs, it doesn’t mean that they’re always 100% accurate. Be careful to avoid accusing them, rather sit down and have a talk before you jump to any conclusions.

3 important factors that affect Mediation

Is now the time to attend mediation? Well, there are no specific times; however you’ll have to look at a range of important factors that will affect whether both parties can come to a mutual agreement.

Emotional state, gathering of important information and overall cost are the most vital factors when it comes to mediation…

Emotions – Parties involved in a dispute may experience a lot of emotions, especially when it comes to matters like children and divorce. Your emotional state can mess with rational thinking, judgements and coming to an overall agreement. Should you need the assistance of a professional mediator, always think about your emotional state first as well as the other parties involved.

Information – When both parties are trying to come to a resolution, outside information such as bank statements, pay checks and receipts are also needed. The mediation session will run a lot smoother if everyone has the correct information on hand.

Costs – Choosing mediation is the most affordable decision to make and you’ll avoid wasting money on attorney fees and court costs. Not only is mediation affordable for everyone, but it can take as little as a month to resolve the problem compared to spending years fighting over a dispute in court.

Remember there is no set time to mediate, but consider emotions, the gathering of outside information, and the costs of litigation when you are planning to contact a professional mediator.

If you are ready to schedule your mediation session, do not hesitate to contact Cape Mediators today on 082 422 3324 or email mike@capemediators.co.za

What you need to know about Divorce Mediation in South Africa

When it comes to divorce, the proceedings that follow are usually unnecessarily long, expensive and full of negative emotions.

But why? Because one or both parties cannot come to an agreement about certain factors of the divorce settlement.

The most common factors are maintenance payments, child custody and the division of assets.

This is where mediation comes into the picture. Mediators are trained professionals who are often skilled in a range of mediation services including landlord/tenant mediation, labour disputes, mediation of contractual disputes and the most popular – divorce mediation.

By using a professional mediator, both parties will be assisted in putting aside their emotions and make decisions that will help to bring them to a resolution that is peaceful and accepted by both parties.

The process of mediation is confidential, private and saves both time and money. It also allows both parties involved to communicate with each and try and find a resolution based on their needs.

Would you really want to spend years of your life fighting over a divorce when you can contact a professional mediator and get it done within a few short months?

If you would like help or advice with a divorce please be sure to contact Cape Mediators today. Email mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324 to book your session. Please note that our practice is based in Cape Town, South Africa. Should you require advice on selecting a mediator outside of Cape Town, please contact us and we will gladly provide you with a referral.

The Two Essential Tricks that make Mediation Work

Mediation is often a better option for conflict resolution – why? Because it is faster, affordable and it allows both parties to come to a mutually-acceptable resolution in a way that the courts simply cannot do.

Here are the top two essential tricks that may not be the norm, but they always work.

Never argue about who is right – The main goal of mediation is not to argue until there is a winner, but to come to an agreement that both parties agree on. Usually, in the case of mediation, both parties are well aware of the facts and the legal issues and have had enough time to become familiar with the case. So, arguing is just a time consuming, expensive act that can unnecessarily anger both parties and cause the attention to drift away from the overall goal of settlement.

Leave the hard issues for last – If both parties would like to settle the conflict and come to an agreement then the best thing to focus on first is always money, while leaving the harder issues for later. Once the key term has been agreed on, the parties involved will feel more at ease and some momentum will be created. In mediation deals can often fall apart when the harder issues are out on the table right up front, so consider leaving the more difficult issues until the end.

Mediation is an alternative way to resolve conflicts, such as landlord/tenant resolution, labour and contractual disputes as well as divorce settlements. Be sure to contact Cape Mediators today: email mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324 to book your session.

What is Family Mediation all about?

Family mediation has become a popular, peaceful way to resolve and prevent family conflicts, especially where small children are involved. Disputes that have been negotiated in an acceptable manner can restore trust, communication and understanding.

• Family mediation helps you resolve conflict and reach an acceptable agreement on all issues surrounding separation, divorce or dissolution of civil partnership.

• It is a voluntary and confidential process which helps you reach joint decisions without the use of courts.

• It offers you a safe, neutral place where you and your ex-partner can meet with an impartial mediator to work out plans for the future.

• Mediators do not tell you what to do, but help you look at different options for sorting things out, so that you reach your own agreements about all aspects of your separation, divorce or dissolution, including arrangements for children, finances and property.

Cape Mediators are professionals with a wealth of skills and experience in family mediation and conflict resolution. We deliver mediation at the highest accredited standard – If you are seeking mediation please book your session by calling 082 422 3324 or emailing mike@capemediators.co.za

Contact Cape Mediators today!

8 Important Tips on how to Prepare for your Mediation

Mediation is a great way to resolve disputes and come to an agreement, however to achieve a settlement that both parties are happy with, you will need to prepare for you mediation effectively.

Here are 8 important tips to keep in mind when you are preparing for your day of mediation…

1. Identify key interests – Your key interests in the disputes may be more than just working out your claims, it could include preserving a business relationship and even avoid too much publicity.

2. Make the first offer – The party that makes the first offer tends to come out happier when the final settlement is reached.  Seize the initiative and make the first offer.

3. Get an estimate of the costs of litigation – It is a good idea to get a cost estimate and see what you will have to pay should you decide not to settle. Keep this in mind when you are making your decision.

4. Explain your main points before the session starts – Focus on the main points and don’t be afraid to express your emotions, whether it is sadness, happiness, anger, etc. Real emotions can help the other party understand your position.

5. Make sure there is nothing preventing you from making a deal – Arrange all funding in advance before the mediation even begins and should you need legal advice, make sure to do so before the day of the mediation.

6. Be ready to talk face to face – Often parties may find this uncomfortable, but it can often help out the situation. When you are preparing think about how you will handle the situation and what you’ll say.

7. Think about how you will prepare your position – Never make bare demands, especially with no explanation. Explain your position in details so that the other party will understand why you want something.

8. Treat your mediator like a colleague – Always remember that your private discussion with a mediator are confidential and will never be revealed to the other party. So confide in your mediator about everything!

We offer mediation that is both affordable and an effective way to resolve conflicts and disputes. Be sure to contact Cape Mediators today: email mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324 to book your session.