MEDIATION   #103

EPISODE 1

Mum + Dad have a single daughter, Susan, engaged to be married. She is due to have title to a well-maintained apartment transferred to her by her parents. The document recording the parent’s intention to transfer is in letter form + drafted without lawyers’ involvement. The dispute has arisen because Susan wants to own the property to enable her to contribute towards a business initiative to be undertaken by herself + her fiancée. Relationships are strained. A mediation is agreed upon. You are the Mediator.

The parents want the best for Susan but believe the fiancée is a gold-digger. He is a self-employed financial writer with two children by his first wife. No lawyers are involved.

There is body language tension at the first meeting. Little eye contact, limp handshakes, no small talk. You have a battle on your hands for two reasons;- first, relationships are bad; second, the property letter is vague/inconsistent.

What have the parents actually agreed to do? Is it clear? Is it enforceable?
You caucus with the parties separately. First, the parents then Susan + fiancee.
Episode 2 Monday 7 June 2021