The conference brought together over 350 people with a professional interest in family mediation. The Council of Europe recommendation R 98 (1) encourages member states to introduce, promote and strengthen family mediation as an appropriate process for the resolution of family disputes, particularly those involving children in marital separation and divorce. The Conference proposed increasing promotion of mediation; assistance for cross-border mediation, training and accreditation of family mediators; assisting states to adopt family law practices that reduce family disputes.

This is the authoritative textbook on family mediation. As well as mediators, this work will be indispensable for practitioners and scholars across a wide range of fields, including social work and law. It draws on a wide cross-disciplinary theoretical literature and on the author's extensive and continuing practice experience. It encompasses developments in policy, research and practice in the UK and beyond. Roberts presents mediation as an aid to joint decision-making in the context of a range of family disputes, notably those involving children. Mediation is seen as a process of intervention distinct from legal, social work and therapeutic practice, drawing on a distinctive body of knowledge across disciplinary fields including anthropology, psychology and negotiation theory. Incorporating empirical evidence, the book emphasizes the value of mediation in mitigating the harmful effects of family breakdown and conflict. First published in 1988 as a pioneering work, this third edition has been fully updated to incorporate legal and policy developments in the UK and in Europe, new sociological and philosophical perspectives on respect, justice and conflict, and international research and practice innovations.

Originally available as two separate volumes, Intersentia's Civil and Commercial Mediation in Europe is now available as a two volume set. *** About Volume I on National Mediation Rules and Procedures: Mediation is becoming an increasingly important tool for resolving civil and commercial disputes. Although it has been long since recognized in many legal systems, in recent years it has received an important boost and is currently one of the most topical issues in the field of dispute resolution. The European Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21.5.2008 on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters, prescribes a set of minimum common rules on mediation for all EU Member States, with the exception of Denmark. This book examines the current legal framework in every EU Member State regarding mediation in civil and commercial matters, as well as the way in which the Directive has been, or is expected to be, implemented in the near future. It is written by renowned specialists on mediation in Europe and provides an exhaustive account for both scholars and practitioners in Europe and beyond the continent. Every chapter on national law analyzes: both out-of-court and court-annexed mediation in the existing legal framework * the areas of law covered by mediation * the value and formal requirements of the agreement to submit any dispute to mediation * personal features and requirements for mediators * procedural requirements in the mediation procedure * the relationship between the mediator and public authorities * the outcome of the mediation procedure * in the scenario in which a mediation settlement is reached, its requirements and effects. *** About Volume II on Cross-Border Mediation: Mediation plays a leading role within the movement of Alternative Dispute Resolution after centuries in which for several reasons the State and State courts were regarded as the only available instrument to ensure access to justice to citizens. In the European Union the institution of mediation has received much support in the form of Directive 2008/52/EC which sets forth a minimum common legal framework for mediation in the Member States. The 2008 Directive has finally been implemented in the Member States and this book provides the much needed in-depth analysis of the status of the mediation regimes in the European Union. The analysis covers the legal regimes of the Member States set up for cross-border and national mediation. This volume includes national reports on cross-border mediation including in-depth information on all the relevant aspects of cross-border mediation: the notion of cross-border mediation, the law applicable to the mediation clause, the mediation proceedings and the content of the settlement reached by the parties. Special attention is of course given to the recognition and enforcement in the European Union of settlements reached in other Member States and outside Europe. In addition the role of mediators and requirements to become a mediator are examined. This book provides a unique picture of the legal situation in the European Union for cross-border mediation. It is an invaluable instrument for those who want to know more about this complex topic or want to become a mediator in Europe themselves.

This volume contains the contributions delivered at CEFL's sixth international conference, which focused on comparative and international family law in Europe in their respective cultural contexts. Inter alia in this book CEFL experts and other legal scholars address the CEFL and its Principles, the interrelation of family law and family sociology, family migration, childrens and womens fundamental rights, as well as the developing concept of parenthood, the role of children in family proceedings, extra-judicial divorces and ADR in family matters.While the development of modern trends in European family law is going on, some new challenges arise and old challenges remain. The awareness of more plurality and diversity in family relationships is increasing. Both pose problems. New legal solutions have to be integrated into the existing family law system. On the other hand, there are tensions between modern fundamental values and traditional religious solutions. For both a deeper analysis is necessary.The conference, and in turn the book, aims to enhance the exchange of ideas and arguments on comparative and international family law in Europe.

Die 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage dieses Werks ist eine unverzichtbare Lektüre für erfahrene Familienmediatoren und alle anderen Fachleute, die mit grenzüberschreitenden Familienkonflikten und Kindesentführungsfällen zu tun haben. Eine Vielzahl von Beiträgen führender internationaler Expertinnen und Experten auf diesem Gebiet machen das Buch zu einer unschätzbaren Quelle, die unter anderem Folgendes bietet: Überblick über den einschlägigen internationalen Rechtsrahmen für solche Fälle Anleitung zu den besonderen Merkmalen grenzüberschreitender Familiensachen sowie den eingesetzten Methoden, Mediationsmodellen und Instrumenten Informationen zur Koordinierung der Mediation mit Gerichtsverfahren in Kindesentführungsfällen Leitlinien für die grenzüberschreitende Vollstreckbarkeit von im Mediationsverfahren geschlossenen Familienvereinbarungen Ansätze und bewährte Praktiken für die Mediation in Fällen mit (muslimischen) Ländern, die nicht dem Haager Übereinkommen angehören Informationen zur Einbeziehung der Stimme des Kindes in die Mediation, Online-Mediation, Zweisprachigkeit in der grenzüberschreitenden Mediation praktische Informationen und Ressourcen wie z.B. Fallstudien, Muster für Mediationsvereinbarungen und Gerichtsbeschlüsse, eine Vorlage für eine Gerichtsstandsvereinbarung, Checklisten, Links wichtiger Ansprechpartner und Texte der anwendbaren internationalen Rechtsinstrumente The 3rd updated and expanded edition of this reference book is indispensable reading for experienced family mediators and all other professionals involved in cross-border family conflicts and child abduction cases. A diverse range of contributions from leading international experts in the field make this an invaluable resource covering: an overview of the relevant international legal framework for such cases insight into the specific characteristics of cross-border family cases, the methodologies, mediation models and tools employed information on coordinating mediation with court proceedings in child abduction cases guidance on the cross-border enforceability of mediated family agreements family law trends and mediation in cases with non-Hague Convention (Muslim) countries the voice of the child, mediating online, bilingualism in mediation practical information and resources, such as case studies, sample mediation agreements and court orders, a template of a choice of court agreement, checklists, important contacts and applicable legal texts

This open access book presents twelve unique studies on mediation from researchers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, respectively. Each study highlights important aspects of mediation, including the role of children in family mediation, the evolution and ambivalent application of restorative justice in the Nordic countries, the confusion of roles in court-connected mediation, and the challenges in dispute systems. Over the past 20-30 years, mediation has gained in popularity in many countries around the world and is often heralded as a suitable and cost-effective mode of conflict resolution. However, as the studies in this volumes show, mediation also has a number of potential drawbacks. Parties’ self-determination may be jeopardized, affected third parties are involved in an inadequate way, and the legal regulations may be flawed. The publication can inspire research, help professionals and policymakers in the field and be used as a textbook.

"In a world where the borders of the global community are fluid, and where disputants manifest increasingly diverse attributes and needs, mediation ? for decades hovering at the edge of dispute resolution practice ? is now emerging as the preferred approach, both in its own right and as an adjunct to arbitration. Mediation processes are sufficiently flexible to accommodate a range of stakeholders (not all of whom might have legal standing) in ways the formality of arbitration and litigation would not normally allow. Among mediation?s many advantages are time and cost efficiencies, sensitivity to cultural differences, and assured privacy and confidentiality. This book meets the practice needs of lawyers confronted with cross-border disputes now arising far beyond the traditional areas of international commerce, such as consumer disputes, inter-family conflicts, and disagreements over Internet-based transactions. The author takes full account of mediation?s risks and limitations, primarily its lack of finality and uncertainty in relation to enforceability issues which will persist until the advent of appropriate international regulation."--Publisher's website.