1 The harm caused by conflictual separations
Separation or divorce is a painful life ordeal that destabilises the entire family circle. When dialogue breaks down, going straight to legal confrontation often escalates resentment, incurs high financial costs and causes lasting trauma for children held hostage by destructive loyalty conflicts.
2 The mediator’s neutral and impartial stance
Holding a state-recognised qualification, the family mediator is neither a judge who decides, a lawyer who defends, nor a therapist who treats. They offer an equitable space for speaking in which each person can express needs and concerns in an atmosphere of mutual respect and strict confidentiality. They ensure that every decision puts the children’s best interests first.
3 Principled negotiation applied to practical matters
Mediation is organised around 3 to 6 thematic sessions that methodically address all aspects of separation: children’s living arrangements, including shared custody and visiting rights; school holiday arrangements; allocation of financial contributions, including maintenance; and management of jointly owned property. Parents learn to distinguish their differences as a couple from their shared parental responsibilities.
4 Drafting lasting amicable agreements suitable for court approval
The process produces a detailed parenting agreement jointly drafted by the parents. This freely accepted, amicable agreement may be submitted to a family court judge for approval, ensuring lasting social peace and offering children the reassuring certainty that both parents’ love and presence will remain.
5 Lasting agreements and adjustments as children grow
Mediation agreements often provide for an amicable review when children’s needs change with age, such as moving to secondary school or taking up extracurricular activities. This jointly agreed flexibility avoids a conflictual return to court and maintains constructive parental dialogue.