The Divorce Mediator that understands the process and your pain.
The Divorce Mediator that understands the process and your pain.
After obtaining a LLB degree in 2003 and later a LLM degree, both from the Stellenbosch University, I worked at Van der Spuy Attorneys in Cape Town and was admitted as an attorney in 2008.
Experiencing the way courts deal with divorce and matters related to it, have led me to pursue a career in mediation. I am committed to use this platform to assist families and their children in need and guide them through this very difficult time in order to find the best outcome possible. No one wins in a divorce, but mediation is such an interactive process that the negotiation between the parties gives everyone an equal opportunity and say.
I am also a NABFAM (National Accreditation Board of Family Mediators) accredited divorce and separation family mediator and a registered member of SAAM (South African Association of Mediators).
Going through a divorce or separation is a deeply emotional and often traumatic experience, even when it is mutual and amicable. Many people feel powerless and experience a profound sense of loss, along with fear and uncertainty about the future. When children are involved, there is added pain, guilt, and concern for their well-being, as well as the challenge of navigating new co-parenting roles. Decisions regarding where the children will reside, how care will be shared, and the financial implications are consistently the most contentious issues in any separation or divorce.
This is where a competent mediator plays a vital dual role. A mediator must be knowledgeable about the complex legal framework and clearly explain these legalities, while also remaining mindful of the emotional and psychological state of the parties and the short- and long-term impact of decisions on everyone involved. As a mediator, I remain objective and neutral, helping parties communicate more effectively. While some conflict is to be expected, impartial and non-judgmental guidance allows parties to voice their concerns, resolve issues where possible, and reach fair compromises. This ensures a transparent process in which the parties themselves remain responsible for the final agreement, supported by professional mediation.
Our Law makes specific provision for the Voice of the Child and child participation in divorce or separation matters and depending on the age and level of maturity of each child, I make use of specialist child play therapists or psychologists or specialized Social Workers, to assess the minor children and make recommendations. Regardless of the age of the child, their rights have to be protected and that is done through professional assessments by qualified experts.
As a mediator, I assist with negotiating and resolving issues regarding children and co-parenting. I am also tasked with the drafting of a detailed parenting plan regarding the children’s contact schedule with each parent, division of assets, child and spousal maintenance and other related matters. The final agreement will always be one reached jointly by the two parties and it is advisable to contact an attorney at this stage to make sure your interests are protected. Mediation is also a voluntary process, and any party may end this process at any stage. It is protected by confidentiality, and it is important for parties to be aware that nothing discussed in mediation may be used against you in a court.
How the process works:
One party will contact me, but it is important to note that the mediator will not contact the other party, the responsibility remains with the contacting party to give my information to the other party whom will then also contact me personally. Only then all the parties involved will agree on scheduling a meeting. This is also to ensure the impartiality of the mediator and one party should never feel blindsided.
Ongoing court cases and conflict between the parents, is the number one cause of further emotional stress on the minor children. Apart from the very costly legal fees and the long waiting periods for available court dates, mediation is not only faster and cheaper, it is without a doubt a lot less traumatic process and anyone who has been through this, will agree.
I am available for online sessions and I am willing to travel to meet with clients in Gqeberha, St. Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay and other surrounding areas.
