Mediation Matters

Mediation Parenting Plans

The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 states in S(6)(4) that in any matter concerning a child:
(a) An approach that is conducive to conciliation and problem-solving should be followed and a confrontational approach should be avoided. S33 provides that the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights in respect of a child may agree on a parenting plan determining the exercise of their respective responsibilities and rights in respect of the child.

The Act further provides in para (2) that if the parties experience difficulties in exercising their responsibilities and rights, those persons, before seeking the intervention of a court, must first seek to agree on a parenting plan determining the exercise of their respective responsibilities and rights in respect of the child.

The best interest of the child standard as per S7 of the Act must be complied with. In preparing a parenting plan the parties must seek the assistance of a family advocate, social worker, or psychologist OR mediation through a social worker or suitably qualified person.
At Mediation Matters, we facilitate your negotiations by use of effective communication and expert skills, in order to reach the most suitable outcome for your parenting plan.

Divorce Mediation

Litigated divorce proceedings can often be combative and result in a ‘winner-loser approach. However, when parties seek to resolve their differences through a neutral platform such as mediation, the acrimony of the proceedings may decrease.

At Mediation Matters we strive to simplify the divorce process by offering mediation services for some of the most contentious issues i.e.

• Parental Rights and Responsibilities of minor children in terms of The Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
• Interim Maintenance pending divorce finalization as per Rule 43 of the Uniform Rules of Court.
• Division of the Joint Estate and Maintenance of the parties in terms of the Divorce Act 70 of 1979.

At Mediation Matters we endeavor to mediate a complete Settlement Agreement that will allow you to cut down on time and money spent during the divorce proceedings.