Cross-border mediation is a voluntary mediation procedure that offers parents the opportunity, supported by two experienced cross-border mediators, to resolve disputes after international child abduction or to reach an international parental contact arrangement, in an informal and confidential environment. The parents are assisted by both mediators to map their differences. The starting point is to find solutions that do justice to the child and are acceptable to both parents.

The purpose of mediation is to prevent a long legal battle between the parents. In the event of international child abduction cross-border mediation guarantees that, to the extent applicable, the progress of legal proceedings to return the child is not jeopardized or delayed but runs parallel to such legal proceedings.

If mediation does not yield the desired result, parents can go back to court to have the matter decided. Participation in mediation will not affect the parents’ options to continue the legal proceedings. The court will not consider the fact that an attempt at mediation was made.

Studies have shown that agreements made after mediation are more easily complied with, if both parents are directly involved in the decision-making process. It is also good for the future relationship between the parents, which limits conflicts and potential trauma for the child and the family as a whole.