Why should I consider mediation first?

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Divorce, like other types of litigation, requires the application of expertise and time. The more issues there are in dispute, the more the divorce proceedings can become drawn out, causing legal costs to rise.

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We pride ourselves on effective legal services to our clients, and we always advise clients to consider mediation before divorce.

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Our family law services include a certified in-house mediator on our team, who can help you and your spouse to mediate issues effectively.

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How does mediation work?

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In a mediation, you and your spouse meet with our mediator to raise and settle the issues in dispute. The mediator is a neutral party who does not favour either spouse.

 

If the mediation is successful, the mediator will draw up a settlement agreement. One of you will then make an application to the Court for an unopposed divorce. Each of you will depose to an affidavit, and if the Court is satisfied it will grant an order of divorce.

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If the mediation is not successful, the mediator will provide a certificate to that effect, and the opposed divorce process will continue.
 

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How much does it cost?

 

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To properly address all issues, mediation usually takes 5 - 6 sessions of an 1 - 2 hours. Additionally, the mediator is required to review evidence presented and assess financial statements.

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The average mediation can therefore be expected to cost between R20,000 - R50,000. We offer several payment options to assist you with your case - find out more here.

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​Is my case capable of being mediated?

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It depends on the willingness of the parties to settle the issue. Although divorce is a highly emotional and stressful experience, it is important to try to put anger and ego aside in the interests of settlement.

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If, by the end of the third session, the parties have not made sufficient progress towards settlement, then it is usually recommended that mediation attempts cease and the divorce process continue.

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Can you do my divorce and my mediation?

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No. A mediator has to be a neutral party, so if you engage us in this context, we will act as your mediator and then recommend another skilled divorce attorney should mediation fail.

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How do I get started?

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Contact us to arrange your first consultation. We'll help you assess your case and determine whether mediation is appropriate. For more information about your first consultation, click here.

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Read more about mediation law here.

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