A South Australian mediation program that helps family resolve legal disputes out of court has experienced record demand in recent months.  The program utilizes something known as “shuttle mediation,” which utilizes a facility that keeps parents separate as they pound out details of custody arrangements with the assistance of a mediator.

According to data from the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, demand for the service has increased by 22 percent this year.  The success rate of the program is at a record high 79 percent.

According to program director Gabrielle Canny, keeping parents separate during negotiations is the key to the high success rate.  She explains traditional mediation is used, but so is shuttle mediation when traditional mediation is not going smoothly.  She believes that couples with “more complex” issues, such as a power imbalance or other sensitive issues, tend to fare better in shuttle mediation.  When people are not coping well with the situation, this change to the traditional mediation process can be very effective because it prevents the emotional stress caused by face-to-face contact.

In general, the family mediation program allows divorcing couples to avoid the expense and frustration of going to court.  It helps them resolve custody arrangement issues faster and without the same taxing emotional toll felt by those that settle their issues in court.  Canny hopes the program continues to grow because it is so helpful to families. 

She acknowledges that shuttle mediation, and any type of mediation in general, is not always suitable to every family.  However, the majority of divorcing families will benefit from this out-of-court resolution.