Mediation refers to the process whereby a neutral third person called a “mediator” acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an informal and non-adversarial process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reaches a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement.
In accordance with Superior Court Rule 116, in the discretion of the Court, any matter cognizable in the Family Division may be referred to mediation, and the practice and procedure set forth in Rule 40 of the Rules of the Superior Court, as amended, shall apply, except where the special circumstances of the Family Court make their application inappropriate. The role of the mediator includes, but is not limited to, assisting the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving and exploring settlement alternatives. In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties. Please click here to see a list of family mediators.