Families make their own decisions

Within mediation, decisions are taken by the clients, not by the mediators. The role of the mediator is to help family members to find a solution that suits the family, not to advise on the suitability of a particular outcome. In helping clients to reach their own well-informed and considered decisions, the mediator may provide general information about the options available, and will encourage clients to consider a wide range of proposals, but will never promote a particular outcome. Families who choose to make their own decisions within mediation have every possible solution available to them, whereas the lawyers and the court usually have to select from a much more limited range of options.