| Mediation is confidential | Graphical version |
Family mediation is specified as confidential by law. The mediator may not, without an express permission from the family, talk to anyone about matters concerning the mediation. The mediator may not, by virtue of the office, collect information about the family from the authorities, unless this is specifically requested by the family. In addition, the mediator may not disclose any information received in the course of the mediation to a court of law, if he or she was to be heard as a witness in a trial. The mediator may, however, inform the municipal child welfare authorities, if he or she in the course of the duties comes across a child whose situation requires investigation of a need for child welfare measures.
The purpose of these strict secrecy provisions is to assure the families a chance to settle their issues without having to worry about who may get to know them.
