Services
What we do
Marx and Bernard Mediation offers professional mediation and legal services. We can assist you in the following matters:
- Divorce
- Maintenance agreements
- Parenting plans
- Division of assets
- Testamentary divisions
After mediation has taken place, we can also assist in making agreements orders of court and appearances on a client’s behalf.
BAs an accredited Mediator and a practising Attorney Amy from Marx and Bernard Mediation can help you through these matters from start to finish. We strive to give our clients affordable, professional, and compassionate service.
We can mediate matters online or in person. Amy can mediate in both English and Afrikaans, but all court documents and agreements and appearances will be done or drafted in English.
Most divorces in the Eastern Free State are handled by the Bloemfontein Regional Court, this means neighbouring towns fall under Bloemfontein jurisdiction for divorces and related matters.
Mediation process
What to expect
Introduction and pre-caucus session
1-hour single session
We suggest that each client attend an introduction and pre-caucus session, but it is not mandatory. Clients can start with a joint session with the consent of the Mediator. An introduction session can be required by the Mediator on a case-by-case basis. The session must be attended alone. In this session the mediation process, role of the Mediator and expectations of the client will be discussed. The session is informal and confidential. The Mediator can explain legal processes but will not give legal advice to either party for the sake of impartiality. During this session parties are encouraged to vent and come up with possible solutions that they feel are fair.
Joint session
1-4 hours
In these sessions clients will begin the mediation process, both parties must be present. Clients will be expected to prepare for mediation as per the Mediator’s requirements. The Mediator will attempt to facilitate an agreement between the parties. the Mediator will also begin to collect the information to be used in the drafting of court documents.
Legal drafting and appearances
Set Tariff
Once mediation has been finalised and an agreement between the parties has been reached. The Mediator will continue with the matter as an Attorney. The Mediator will explain what is legally required of the parties to them. Marx and Bernard Mediation have set tariffs so that our clients know what to expect and are not charged for delays made by the court or any hidden expenses. The sheriff’s account is however not included. The process, cost and time frame will be discussed with the clients during the pre-caucus and joint session.