The Marriage Act aims at solving conflicts between the spouses as well as problems during the marriage and upon the dissolution of the marriage through negotiations and agreements between the spouses out of court. Therefore the Marriage Act contains provisions on special family mediation service, which the spouses may contact when needing assistance and help. The use of the mediations service is always voluntary – the law does not know a compulsory mediation procedure.

The mediation is arranged by the municipal social welfare officers as well as by associations and individuals authorised to arrange mediation services. In family mediation, the negotiations are confidential.

Information on family mediation is available from the Social Welfare Office of your own municipality.