How neutral and impartial is the family mediator?

Mediators must remain neutral as to the outcome of mediation at all times. A mediator must not seek to impose his or her preferred outcome on the participants or to influence them to adopt it, whether by attempting to predict the outcome of court proceedings or otherwise. However, if the participants consent, he or she may inform them that he or she considers that the resolutions they are considering might fall outside the parameters which a court might approve or order. They may inform participants of possible courses of action, their legal or other implications, and assist them to explore these, but must make it clear that they are not giving advice.

Mediators must at all times remain impartial as between the participants and conduct the mediation process in a fair and even-handed way. Mediators must seek to to prevent manipulative, threatening or intimidating behaviour by any participant. They must conduct the process in such a way as to redress, as far as possible, any imbalance of power between the participants. If such behaviour or any other imbalance seems likely to render the mediation unfair or ineffective, the mediator must take appropriate steps to try to prevent this including terminating the mediation if necessary.

All links will go here.

• who is family mediation for?
• Why use mediation?
• How does mediation work?
• What matters can be discussed in family mediation?
• Do I have to attend family mediation?
• Confidentiality in the meetings?
• Independence of the mediator and Conflicts of interest?
• Privilege and Legal Proceedings?
• Welfare of Children?
• Abuse and power imbalances within the family?
• Conduct of the mediation?