About
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
About The Founder
Mediation Matters is a Family Mediation practice founded by Mellissa van Wyk. Mellissa graduated from The University of the Western Cape in 2011 with an LLB Degree. Thereafter she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Preparing for Legal Practice at The University of Cape Town in 2011. She commenced Articles with the Legal Aid Board of South Africa and was admitted as an Attorney in 2013.
Mellissa’s legal career has spread amongst many fields including family law mediation, divorce, criminal litigation, and debt collection. In 2016 she delved further into family law mediation and completed her training with the Family Mediators’ Association of the Cape (FAMAC). She has recently completed her training in Psychology for Mediators and became a member of the Social Justice Network.
Mellissa’s legal career has spread amongst many fields including family law mediation, divorce, criminal litigation, and debt collection. In 2016 she delved further into family law mediation and completed her training with the Family Mediators’ Association of the Cape (FAMAC). She has recently completed her training in Psychology for Mediators and became a member of the Social Justice Network.
About Mediation Matters
Mediation Matters is built on the foundations of impartiality and confidentiality. As a mediator, Mellissa plays a facilitative role in the parties’ discussions about the issues in dispute. By facilitating the parties’ dialogue, she allows them to avoid a deadlock and a breakdown in communication. In matters involving children, Mellissa uses a child-centered approach while meditating in order to reach an outcome that is best suited to the needs of the child. With the changes in the law throughout recent years, it is believed that mediation is not only preferable but should in fact be the point of departure when commencing divorce proceedings. Through the use of expert skills and knowledge, Mellissa guides parties during the mediation process to communicate effectively with each other to seek joint resolution of the issues in dispute. Mellissa’s friendly but firm disposition ensures that the process will be conducted with empathy and fairness.
Assisting People for over 10 Years
10
FAQs
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process whereby a neutral third party assists disputing parties to reach an outcome of their own making. The Mediator does not impose a decision on the parties but facilitates the parties throughout their own negotiations.
What is the duration of the mediation process?
The duration of the process depends on the complexity of the matter, as well as the parties’ willingness to work together to resolve the issues in dispute. Simple disputes may require only 1-2 sessions whereas complex matters might require several sessions over a few weeks.
What happens when one party does not comply with the agreement that was reached?
If the agreement has not been made an order of the court then it is enforceable in law in the same way as any other contract or legally binding agreement.
– If it has been made an order of the court then it can be enforced in the same way as any order of a civil court.
– If it has been made an order of the court then it can be enforced in the same way as any order of a civil court.
What are some of the benefits of Mediation?
– Saves time and money
With litigation, each party is represented by his or her own legal representative and is responsible for their own legal bills (which can add up quickly). Parties involved in mediation make use of the same person and often share the costs.
– Less acrimonious process
The nature of mediation allows for the parties to actively participate in discussions in a less formal way as opposed to litigation. This creates an environment that is not as stressful and more conducive to problem-solving.
– Control over decisions
Parties work together voluntarily to create an outcome that is mutually beneficial. They, therefore, have a vested interest in the success of the plan and are more inclined to abide by the agreed terms.
