FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Every family situation is unique, and it’s natural to have questions before taking the next step. This section brings together the most common queries about mediation, legal processes, and how I work — from what to expect in your first session to understanding confidentiality, costs, and outcomes. It’s here to provide clear, practical answers so you can make informed decisions with confidence and ease.

Understanding Mediation

Family mediation is a structured, voluntary process that helps families communicate respectfully and reach practical agreements. Rather than imposing outcomes, mediation gives both parties a voice — focusing on understanding, collaboration, and sustainable solutions that prioritise family wellbeing over conflict.
Unlike court proceedings, mediation is confidential and collaborative. It allows families to explore solutions together instead of having a decision imposed by a judge. It’s often faster, less stressful, and preserves privacy — giving couples more control over the process and the outcome.
Mediation is flexible. Sessions may involve both parties together or separately, and lawyers or specialists can be included if helpful. The key is to create a safe, balanced space where everyone feels heard and empowered to participate.
Yes, provided there’s mutual willingness to engage. Skilled mediators use structured dialogue to help parties communicate respectfully, even when emotions run high. In complex cases, mediation can also take place in separate sessions to maintain comfort and safety.
If mediation doesn’t lead to full agreement, progress is never wasted. Discussions often clarify issues, narrow disputes, and make future negotiations smoother. Should court intervention become necessary, the process ensures both parties are better informed and prepared

Legal & Practical Matters

Not automatically. A mediated agreement is a written record of mutual decisions. Once both parties are satisfied, it can be formalised through their lawyers or converted into a consent order by the court, giving it legal weight and enforceability.
Absolutely. Mediation is especially valuable for expatriate families navigating multiple jurisdictions or cultural expectations. It helps align decisions with both UAE law and international considerations, creating agreements that are practical, culturally sensitive, and recognised where possible.
Everything discussed in mediation remains confidential. This encourages openness and honesty without fear of information being used outside the process. Only in exceptional cases—such as safety concerns or legal requirements—may confidentiality be broken
Lawyers can support mediation by offering independent advice before or after sessions, ensuring you understand your rights. Mediation complements, rather than replaces, legal guidance — working alongside lawyers to create solutions that are both fair and informed.
It depends on your situation. Most families reach agreement within two to five sessions, though complex issues may take longer. Mediation remains more time-efficient than litigation, offering a calmer, more flexible route toward resolution.

Costs & Practicalities

Costs vary depending on complexity and duration. Initial consultations are charged at a fixed rate, with mediation sessions typically shared between parties. While not inexpensive, mediation is almost always more cost-effective than court proceedings or prolonged disputes.
Yes. After your initial consultation, you’ll receive a clear outline of likely costs. Transparency is central to the process, ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and in control before committing to mediation
There may be. For example, you may wish to engage independent lawyers, financial valuers, or child specialists. These third-party costs are separate from mediation fees but can enhance the quality and reliability of your final agreement.
Typically, costs are shared equally, but arrangements can be adjusted based on circumstances or agreement between the parties. The aim is fairness and mutual understanding — keeping focus on resolution, not financial strain.
Yes. Beyond financial savings, mediation preserves dignity, privacy, and long-term cooperation. It helps families make informed, durable decisions — reducing the likelihood of future disputes or returning to court.

Family, Parenting & Life After Separation

Definitely. Mediation provides tools and structured discussions to help parents agree on routines, communication styles, and decision-making. It prioritises children’s needs while supporting parents in building new, respectful family dynamics.
Mediation can take place online or in hybrid formats, allowing flexibility across time zones and jurisdictions. This is especially useful for expatriate families managing cross-border parenting or financial arrangements
Yes. Mediation encourages holistic discussions, addressing parenting, property, and financial matters in one structured process. This ensures all issues are resolved consistently and with shared understanding.
The mediated agreement serves as your roadmap. Once signed, it can be formalised through the court if required. You may return to mediation later to adjust terms as your family’s needs evolve.
Families are welcome to revisit mediation whenever issues arise — whether adjusting parenting plans or reviewing financial arrangements. It’s an ongoing resource designed to help you maintain harmony and prevent future conflict

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Understanding Mediation

Mediation is flexible. Sessions may involve both parties together or separately, and lawyers or specialists can be included if helpful. The key is to create a safe, balanced space where everyone feels heard and empowered to participate.

Yes, provided there’s mutual willingness to engage. Skilled mediators use structured dialogue to help parties communicate respectfully, even when emotions run high. In complex cases, mediation can also take place in separate sessions to maintain comfort and safety.

If mediation doesn’t lead to full agreement, progress is never wasted. Discussions often clarify issues, narrow disputes, and make future negotiations smoother. Should court intervention become necessary, the process ensures both parties are better informed and prepared

Legal & Practical Matters

Not automatically. A mediated agreement is a written record of mutual decisions. Once both parties are satisfied, it can be formalised through their lawyers or converted into a consent order by the court, giving it legal weight and enforceability.

Everything discussed in mediation remains confidential. This encourages openness and honesty without fear of information being used outside the process. Only in exceptional cases—such as safety concerns or legal requirements—may confidentiality be broken

Lawyers can support mediation by offering independent advice before or after sessions, ensuring you understand your rights. Mediation complements, rather than replaces, legal guidance — working alongside lawyers to create solutions that are both fair and informed.

It depends on your situation. Most families reach agreement within two to five sessions, though complex issues may take longer. Mediation remains more time-efficient than litigation, offering a calmer, more flexible route toward resolution.

Costs & Practicalities

Costs vary depending on complexity and duration. Initial consultations are charged at a fixed rate, with mediation sessions typically shared between parties. While not inexpensive, mediation is almost always more cost-effective than court proceedings or prolonged disputes.

There may be. For example, you may wish to engage independent lawyers, financial valuers, or child specialists. These third-party costs are separate from mediation fees but can enhance the quality and reliability of your final agreement.

​Typically, costs are shared equally, but arrangements can be adjusted based on circumstances or agreement between the parties. The aim is fairness and mutual understanding — keeping focus on resolution, not financial strain.

Yes. Beyond financial savings, mediation preserves dignity, privacy, and long-term cooperation. It helps families make informed, durable decisions — reducing the likelihood of future disputes or returning to court.

Family, Parenting & Life After Separation

Definitely. Mediation provides tools and structured discussions to help parents agree on routines, communication styles, and decision-making. It prioritises children’s needs while supporting parents in building new, respectful family dynamics.

Yes. Mediation encourages holistic discussions, addressing parenting, property, and financial matters in one structured process. This ensures all issues are resolved consistently and with shared understanding.

The mediated agreement serves as your roadmap. Once signed, it can be formalised through the court if required. You may return to mediation later to adjust terms as your family’s needs evolve.

Families are welcome to revisit mediation whenever issues arise — whether adjusting parenting plans or reviewing financial arrangements. It’s an ongoing resource designed to help you maintain harmony and prevent future conflict

Typically, costs are shared equally, but arrangements can be adjusted based on circumstances or agreement between the parties. The aim is fairness and mutual understanding — keeping focus on resolution, not financial strain.