8 Purposes of Mediation For Your Convenience

Mediation is essential to the Australian legal system and crucial in resolving disputes outside the courtroom.

As an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method, the purpose of mediation aims to facilitate open communication, find common ground, and achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes.

Let’s explore the purpose of mediation in Australia, its benefits, and its significance in promoting justice, efficiency, and collaboration in resolving legal conflicts.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where parties involved in a dispute work with a neutral third party, the mediator, to identify issues, explore interests, and generate solutions.

The mediator does not make decisions or judgments but guides the conversation to foster communication and cooperation between the disputing parties.

What Cases Are Suitable for Mediation?

The purpose of mediation is suitable for the following situations:

• Family Law: Divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal support, property division, and co-parenting arrangements.
• Probate and Estate Matters: Inheritance disputes, will contests, estate administration issues, and beneficiary disagreements.
• Civil Disputes: Contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, and neighbour disputes.
• Employment Issues: Workplace conflicts, discrimination claims, harassment complaints, and wrongful termination disputes.
• Community Disputes: Neighborhood conflicts, homeowner association disagreements, noise complaints, and property boundary disputes.

Why Is Mediation Better Than Court?

Mediation offers several advantages over traditional court proceedings, making it a preferred option for many individuals and businesses seeking to resolve disputes. Here are some reasons why mediation is considered better than going to court:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation. Court cases involve significant legal fees, court filing fees, and expenses related to evidence gathering and court appearances. In contrast, the mediation involves only the mediator’s fees and shared administrative costs, resulting in lower overall payments.

2. Time Efficiency: Mediation can resolve disputes more quickly than court proceedings, which are often lengthy and subject to court schedules and backlogs. Mediation sessions can be scheduled promptly, allowing parties to resolve their timeline.

Also read: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Australia

3. Preserving Relationships: The purpose of mediation is to foster open communication and cooperation between parties, helping preserve relationships, which is particularly important in family and business disputes. In court, the adversarial nature of litigation can strain relationships and create animosity between parties.

4. Control Over the Outcome: In mediation, parties control the outcome and actively craft solutions that suit their unique needs and interests. On the other hand, court judgments are imposed by a judge, and parties may not be delighted with the decision.

5. Confidentiality: Mediation is private, and discussions during mediation sessions are confidential. This confidentiality encourages parties to be more open and honest, as they don’t have to worry about their statements being used against them in court.

6. Flexibility and Creativity: The purpose of mediation is to allow for more flexible and creative solutions compared to the rigid outcomes of court judgments. Parties can explore unconventional options that may not be available in a courtroom setting.

7. Reduced Stress and Emotional Impact: Mediation is generally less aggressive and stressful than court proceedings, reducing the emotional toll on the parties involved.

8. Compliance and Satisfaction: As parties actively participate in the resolution process, they are more likely to voluntarily comply with the agreed-upon terms. This often leads to higher satisfaction with the outcome compared to court-imposed decisions.

Also read: The Updated Divorce Statistics in Australia

What Is the Role of a Mediator?

The role of a mediator is to act as a neutral third party, facilitating communication between conflicting parties and guiding them towards a mutually acceptable resolution.

Mediators remain impartial, listen actively, frame the issues, generate options, and encourage creative problem-solving.

Their primary objective is to promote understanding and collaboration to reach an amicable agreement, all while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

How We Help Our Clients: The Purpose of Mediation

Daniela sought our assistance regarding her recent divorce.

After 10 years of marriage, the couple faced the daunting task of dividing their estate and arranging custody of their beloved children.

To facilitate an amicable resolution, our expert divorce lawyers initiated a comprehensive mediation process.

We offered creative options and alternative solutions throughout the mediation, encouraging productive negotiations.

We eventually guided them to a mutually satisfactory agreement on property distribution and child custody arrangements.

Why You Should Consider Mediation

The purpose of mediation serves as a valuable tool in the Australian legal system, promoting amicable resolution, preserving relationships, and saving time and resources.

It embodies the principles of fairness, empowerment, and collaboration, facilitating efficient and satisfactory outcomes for parties involved in legal disputes.

As Australia continues embracing alternative dispute resolution methods, mediation remains crucial in building a more harmonious and just society.

Hayder Shkara

Director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, Hayder manages the practice and oversees the running of all of the files in the practice. Hayder has an astute eye for case strategy and running particularly complex matters in the family law system.