PeaceMaker Mediation

Welcome to PeaceMaker Mediation by Yolanda Booysen.

If you are at a crossroad in your life and decided to separate from your spouse or business partner, you should strongly consider mediation. Mediation is a successful dispute resolution alternative to traditional arbitration and litigation.

As a qualified divorce and family mediator I can assist you with your divorce or separation in a kinder and more gentle way. Although I am an admitted attorney as well, I do not agree with high conflict divorces as the emotional trauma left by it is unnecessary and the damage can be lasting.

At PeaceMaker Mediation we understand that separation ends marriage, not parenting. And family and relationships matter. So let's restore the peace by focussing on what matters through mediation.

What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process where people appoint a third party, like PeaceMaker Mediation, to help them resolve disputes between themselves. Mediation is not a court hearing. The mediator is not a judge. Mediation is not counselling or therapy.
Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties with concrete effects. The mediator assists the parties to negotiate a settlement.

Which Situations Are Suited To Mediation?
Mediation is particularly valuable when your dispute involves another person with whom - either by choice or circumstance - you need to remain on good terms. This may include divorced parents, family members, co-workers, business partners, your landlord, neighbours, or others with whom you have a continuing personal or business relationship with.

Lawsuits polarize and ultimately ruin relationships, so a huge advantage of mediation is its ability to get a dispute resolved without destroying a relationship. Because at PeaceMaker Mediation we understand that separation ends marriage, not parenting. And family and relationships matter.

Why choose Mediation?
Unlike the litigious route, mediation recognises that you are the most knowledgeable when it comes to your family/relationships and therefore empowers you to make the decisions for your future. Mediation allows you to speak directly to each other, so that you can both explain what you are feeling and what is most important to you. It also lets you focus on the things that really matter to you... Let PeaceMaker help you to make peace.

What is the benefits of Mediation over Litigation?

Cost: While a mediator may charge a fee comparable to that of an attorney, the mediation process generally takes much less time than moving a case through standard legal channels. While a case in the hands of a lawyer or a court may take months or years to resolve, mediation usually achieves a resolution in a matter of hours. Taking less time means expending less money on hourly fees and costs.

Confidentiality: While court hearings are public, mediation remains strictly confidential. No one but the parties to the dispute and the mediator or mediators know what happened.

Control : Mediation increases the control the parties have over the resolution. In a court case, the parties obtain a resolution, but control resides with the judge or jury.

Compliance: Because the result is attained by the parties working together and is mutually agreeable, compliance with the mediated agreement is usually high. This further reduces costs, because the parties do not have to employ an attorney to force compliance with the agreement. The mediated agreement is, however, fully enforceable in a court of law.

Mutuality: Parties to a mediation are typically ready to work mutually toward a resolution. In most circumstances the mere fact that parties are willing to mediate means that they are ready to "move" their position.

Support: Mediators are trained in working with difficult situations. The mediator acts as a neutral facilitator and guides the parties through the process. The mediator helps the parties think "outside of the box" for possible solutions to the dispute, broadening the range of possible solutions.

Less impact on children: Because mediation promotes the positive involvement of both parents in a child's life, it is helpful in resolving emotional issues in family conflict. This can impact positively on a child's adjustment to the divorce.

Reduced emotional turmoil: In mediation the focus is on finding acceptable solutions rather than on “winning” at all costs. The bad feeling associated with this is removed. This reduces pressure, resentment, struggle and distress.

Let PeaceMaker assist you with your divorce or seperation. Contact Yolanda today on yolanda@mediasie.co.za to arrange a free info session.

Because family and relationship matter!