Is mediation appropriate?

An initial introductory call can help determine whether mediation is appropriate. Mediation may be appropriate where:
>  Both parties are willing to engage respectfully
>  Communication is difficult or strained
>  Practical parenting arrangements are needed
>  Parents want to reduce conflict around children
>  Families are seeking a more constructive alternative to adversarial legal processeS

Can we do mediation online?

Yes. Sessions can take place in person or online via secure video platforms for both national and international clients.

What happens when the process is finished?

The final document is a court-ready Parenting Plan. You can then provide this to your respective attorneys to be made an order of court, potentially reducing legal drafting costs and time.

Is mediation only for high-conflict divorces?

No. Mediation can assist any parents navigating disagreement, separation, divorce, or ongoing communication difficulties. Whether relationships are amicable or strained, the process provides a structured space for practical discussions and child-focused outcomes.

How is mediation different from using a lawyer?

Legal processes can sometimes become lengthy, emotionally draining, and expensive. Mediation focuses on practical, child-focused solutions and can often help families reach workable agreements more efficiently and collaboratively.

How long does the mediation process take?

Every situation is different, but the process is designed to be practical, focused, and time-efficient. Many parenting plans can be progressed meaningfully within a handful of sessions rather than through lengthy adversarial processes. Please refer to the mediation costs for typical session lengths.

How much does mediation cost?

  • Free Introductory Call (15 minutes): No cost A brief conversation with both parties to determine “fit” and if mediation is the right path for your family.
  • Individual Intake Consultation (45 minutes): R800 An introductory, one-on-one session to understand your unique situation and outline the most effective way forward.
  • Mediation Sessions (90 minutes): R1,800 per session (split equally between parties) Guided, reflective dialogue aimed at resolving conflict and building practical agreements. Typically, between 2 to 4 sessions are needed to reach a comprehensive resolution.
  • Drafting the Court-Ready Parenting Plan: R1,500 (Flat fee) A thorough, legally sound document focused on your children’s developmental well-being, ready for court submission.
  • Drafting the Mediated Agreement: R1,500 (Flat fee) The final, comprehensive agreed settlement detailing the practical, financial, and logistical restructuring of your family.

'Parenting You' is dedicated to improving family outcomes through structured family mediation, practical parent-teen guidance, and workable solutions that support the long-term family dynamic.

Whether you're addressing parenting arrangements, adolescent challenges, or other family pressures, my goal is to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to foster a calm and positive family experience.

Support sessions are personally facilitated by Marc Falconer, a qualified mediator and coach with over 30 years of academic and applied experience in family mediation, parenting support, and child-focused interventions.

"Whatever challenges you may be facing, we can work through them – together."

- Marc Falconer

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"When you are navigating complex, high-stakes family dynamics, you need someone in the room with genuine, seasoned experience. Marc’s decades of leadership and his clear understanding of human behavior were evident from our very first session. He was entirely impartial, immediately de-escalated the tension, and approached our situation with a level of wisdom and pragmatism that only comes from years of resolving complex conflicts. He is a consummate professional."

- Sophie

"There’s no definitive handbook for parents, but there is Marc Falconer! I’m so grateful for his non-judgemental, firm, never preachy, insightful, and empathetic guidance. All delivered with humour! From one-on-one sessions to his newsletters, Marc has a unique understanding of the teen world and generously shares this illuminating knowledge."

- Vanessa ( Mother of 2 )

"Marc brought an incredible sense of calm to what felt like an entirely overwhelming time for our family. What stood out most wasn't just his fairness, but his profound understanding of what our children needed most. He has this unique ability to gently pull you out of the immediate dispute and refocus the conversation on the long-term well-being of the kids. His deep experience working with young people is obvious—he made sure their futures were the priority in every decision we made."

- Sipho

"Marc understands the importance of nurturing teenagers' emotional and mental well-being. Drawing from his extensive expertise in education and adopting a holistic perspective, he has the ability to guide parents in recognising their children's diverse needs and fostering a positive sense of self."

- Debbie ( Mother of 3 )

"I was dreading the mediation process, but Marc’s objective and structured approach changed everything. He is so skilled at seeing the bigger picture. When emotions ran high, he possessed the empathy to validate our feelings, while firmly keeping us aware of the long-term consequences our choices would have on our family dynamic down the line. He didn't just help us settle a dispute; he helped us build a practical, sustainable framework for co-parenting."

- Sarah

"Marc’s perspectives have opened my eyes to the potential of how parenting can be and how I can have a more positive relationship with my children. His unique outlook broadens one's more insular and limited experience. I cannot recommend his insights more highly."

- Primarashni ( Mother of 3)