Application of the Mediation Procedure in Resolving Family Conflicts: the National and International Legislative Norms

Abstract

The article highlights the key findings of a comprehensive study of the existing alternative ways of resolving family conflicts. The emphasis is laid on the definition of mediation as one of the most effective methods of civilized settlement of disputes outside the court. The analysis concerns the legislative regulation of this institution abroad. The authors consider the theoretical and practical conclusions about the necessity of proper legislative regulation of the mediation procedure. The formation of a successful model of family mediation depends on the active participation of the state in this process by popularizing the idea, including the introduction of a norm on the priority of pre- trial appeal to accredited family professionals in disputes over the most significant categories of family conflicts, provision of legal regulation and state financing of relevant social projects, qualitative training of specialists in the field of family mediation. This would ensure high quality of services, minimize the number of incompetent specialists and facilitate resolving of family conflicts through mediation.