Family mediation

Family mediation is one of the ways of solving conflicts between family members. The scope of issues which may be subject to mediation is very broad. Mediation may be used in case of every conflict which the family members are unable to solve by themselves.

The main assumption behind the motivation is the belief that in case of each conflict, it is possible to find a solution together which will be satisfactory for both parties A professional mediator assists in the work on elaborating an arrangement and working out a compromise. During the mediation, the parties to the dispute have a say in determining what issues they want to deal with, they work out the solutions by themselves, they may also specify by themselves the consequences of violating the arrangement which was reached. The mediators do not give advice, they do not act as judges settling a dispute – their only task is to facilitate the negotiations. Specificity of family mediations

There are several mediation centres in Poland, as well as Family Mediators Association (SMR), uniting over 200 experts throughout Poland. The SMR website features a search engine allowing to find a specialist at the required location. Most mediation centres and individual mediators who are SMR members provide paid services. The persons whose financial situation does not allow for such an expense, may seek assistance at one of the centres providing mediation free of charge.

Free family mediation is provided by the County Family Assistance Centres. Foreigners registered in a given county may benefit from the assistance on the same principles as the citizens of Poland. Unfortunately, mediation sessions are only held in Polish.