Resolve Divorce, Family & Civil Disputes with Court-Annexed Mediator

I am a practising attorney and director of D VAN WYK & ASSOCIATES INC. in Middelburg.

Through the distinguished RMO organizations, MSSA - Mediation Society of South Africa and SAAM - South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) including (Nabfam) I am an accredited Court-annexed Mediator for

Civil matters

Family and Divorce matters

With over 36 years of legal experience, I have established myself within the legal fraternity with dedication to navigate all matters, notwithstanding the complexity thereof, with precision and fairness.

I acted as Magistrate and was utilized as such as civil Magistrate in Middelburg for a number of years and I consider that my time as Magistrate placed me in an advantages position to ensure that justice is done. I was mainly utilised as the Civil Magistrate in Middelburg due to my experience and extensive knowledge of the civil law.

It is important to note that I have no knowledge whatsoever of RAF matters.

I refrained from participating in RAF matters.

FAQ's

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process to resolve disputes.

What are the benefits of mediation?

Mediation is cost-effective, confidential, and promotes collaboration.

Is mediation mandatory?

Mediation is mostly voluntary but can be court-ordered.

Who can mediate?

Only accredited mediators can facilitate mediation sessions.

How long does mediation take?

It typically lasts a few hours.

Why mediate?

Divorce litigation is most probably the most emotionally and financially challenging experience of any person’s life as it disrupts families and gravely affects children.

Our first question to parties embroiled in divorce litigation is whether any reasonable prospect exists in resolving the disputes and saving the marriage.

If there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation the proverbial horse has bolted and there is no need to add to the existing trauma and through the proper facilitation of mediation, further trauma can be avoided.

Litigation is per se adversarial and costly, and the parties normally experience that the outcomes are imposed or impersonal.

An experienced mediator will in the process of mediation focus on forming a structural process during which the parties can under comfortable circumstances have a discussion to resolve what has been without delving into the past and to concentrate on the future.

Mediation is an alternative that prioritises constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term resolve and it allows the parties to control the decisions made which affect their lives, with focus on the future and leaving what was behind.

It is imperative to recognise that a mediator is not a judge but a facilitator and as such any agreement reached during mediation is not binding until a court confirms the agreement reached by court order, which will give certainty and enforceability.

It is furthermore essential to understand that emotions are counter productive, especially where children are involved.

A controlled environment would contain the stresses of the parties under circumstances where they have an opportunity to speak their mind.

Mediation is especially well suited for matters involving children, where ongoing communication and cooperation are essential.

Accredited mediators are trained to provide guidance throughout the mediation process however a mediator cannot prevent the pain but can alleviate it and assist with implementation of parenting plans to managing future challenges, always with the best interests of the child at heart.

If you are considering a divorce, mediation may offer an effective, private, and emotionally supportive path forward.