Separation, child custody, inheritance, intergenerational conflicts: when the family goes through a turbulent zone, a neutral and confidential space can make all the difference. By a certified family mediator.
Family mediation is neither a court, nor a law firm, nor a therapist's office. It is a third space, neither yours nor the other's, where two or more family members can finally say things to each other, truly, in the presence of a professional trained in this exercise.
The family mediator is not there to rule, nor to side with one against the other. They are not your lawyer. They are not your therapist. They are the guardian of the framework — the one who makes possible a conversation that, without them, would no longer take place.
"Family mediation does not seek to erase conflict. It offers a space to cross it without getting lost — respecting each person, and particularly the children when they are involved."
In conflict, each family member feels they are reacting to the other's behaviour. Each experiences themselves as the other's victim. No one sees themselves as an actor in the spiral.
The systemic approach — which we favour in our family mediations — allows us to move beyond this mirror reading. It invites considering the family as a set of relationships that mutually influence each other, where everyone contributes to the dynamic without necessarily being aware of it.
This shift in perspective is, in itself, already a transformation. We move from "it is their fault" to "what, in our exchanges, maintains this deadlock and how can we exit it together". It is this shift that the family mediator makes possible.
Not a court: no judge, no judgment, no winner, no loser.
Not a law firm: no representation, no pleading, no litigation strategy.
Not a therapy office: no exploration of the past, no work on deep
wounds. The mediator can, if necessary, refer to a family therapist.
Not a place of forced conciliation: no one will force you into an agreement.
Mediation is voluntary and can be stopped at any time.
Each family is unique. Here are the most frequent situations for which family mediation proves particularly suitable.
Organise the separation respecting each person: division of assets, children's residence, child support, future of the reconstituted family.
Agree on a suitable custody arrangement (shared, primary, other), organise holidays, manage changes in school or family rhythm.
Disagreements between heirs on the division, valuation of assets, interpretation of a will. Avoid long procedures that lastingly damage relationships.
Parent-adult-child tensions, managing dependent grandparents, disagreements on life choices, family ruptures to repair.
Integrate a new spouse, articulate several households, manage tensions between step-parents and children, establish rules for living together.
Disagreements around a family patrimony, family business, donation or investment choice. Preserve the family beyond the numbers.
When children are involved in a family conflict — separation, custody, reconstitution — mediation takes on an additional dimension. The best interest of the child becomes the compass, without becoming a pretext to avoid the real issues.
Depending on their age and maturity, children can be heard by the mediator in a dedicated session. Their words are protected: the mediator respects their best interest and only shares with parents what, in consultation with the child, can be shared without putting them in difficulty.
This listening to children is never systematic. It is proposed, never imposed. It requires special preparation from the mediator and takes place in a specific framework. It is particularly valuable in situations where parents struggle to step out of their own conflict to hear what their child is experiencing.
"Children feel everything, hear everything, often understand more than we imagine. Giving them a space to be heard — without being caught in the middle — is sometimes the most beautiful thing a separating family can offer them."
In Belgium, family mediation is framed by the Belgian Judicial Code (art. 1724 et seq.) and practised by mediators holding a specific family certification issued by the Federal Mediation Commission. This certification is distinct from the civil and commercial certification: it attests to training dedicated to family dynamics, child psychology, patrimonial issues and the protection of vulnerable persons.
Key framework points:
A phone or email exchange to understand your situation and verify that family mediation is suitable.
Joint meeting with the mediator: framework presentation, signing of the mediation agreement, confidentiality commitment.
Generally 3 to 8 sessions of 1.5 to 2 hours, at a suitable rhythm (often every two weeks). Alternating joint and individual sessions if useful.
The agreement is formalised in writing. It can be approved by the family judge to acquire enforceable force (art. 1733 Belgian Judicial Code).
No, it is not mandatory. However, the family judge may propose or order it (art. 1734 Belgian Judicial Code) if they consider it can help the parties. Many lawyers recommend it before proceedings — this often avoids months of litigation and a much higher cost.
Fees are set in the agreement, generally between €100 and €200 excl. VAT per hour depending on the mediator. The cost is shared between the parties. It is significantly cheaper than a contested divorce with lawyers over several months. Partial legal aid may be available depending on your income.
No, it is not mandatory. Some couples nevertheless prefer to be advised by their lawyer in parallel, particularly for patrimonial aspects or to validate the final agreement before approval. Our lawyer-mediators are particularly attentive to respect this counsel dimension when it is in place.
Each party regains full freedom of action. Strict confidentiality (art. 1728 Belgian Judicial Code) guarantees that what was said in mediation cannot be used in subsequent court proceedings. It is a protected space, without risk.
Yes. We regularly facilitate mediations with 3, 4 or more people (siblings in inheritance conflict, parent/adult-child conflict, family business transmission). The framework is adapted: more individual preparation, better structured plenary sessions, sometimes several mediators in co-mediation.
It varies greatly depending on the situation. A "simple" mediation (organising a separation for example) can be completed in 3 to 5 sessions over 2 to 3 months. More complex situations (disputed succession, old intergenerational conflict, heavy family patrimony) may require 6 to 10 sessions over 4 to 6 months.
The judge may invite you to attempt mediation (art. 1734 Belgian Judicial Code), but cannot force you to reach an agreement. Mediation always remains voluntary: you can end it at any time. What matters is that the approach be sincere.
Contact us confidentially to assess together whether family mediation can help you. First discussion without obligation, with total respect for your situation.
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