Mediation Over Court: CDFHA Information session shows residents how to cut legal costs

GREAT BAY--The Mediation Services Information Session, organized by the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) of the Government of St. Maarten, was held on Monday evening, November 24, 2025, at the University of St. Martin and was a great success. From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, community members filled Room 202 to learn how mediation can help settle disagreements without high legal fees and how it offers a practical alternative to going to court.

Facilitator Sanne Bartels, an LL.M trained mediator at Restorative Practitioners International St. Maarten, guided an interactive discussion on how mediation can be used to resolve conflicts involving contracts, landlords and neighbors, divorce and custody, family inheritance, and more. One of the key messages of the evening was clear: court is not always the answer. While the justice system remains important, not every disagreement needs to escalate into a formal legal battle. Mediation provides a more accessible, solution driven process that helps parties reach agreements cooperatively rather than confrontationally.

Participants expressed appreciation for learning that mediation can save time and money while preserving relationships through open communication and mutual understanding. Many attendees noted that they had not realized how many everyday disputes could be handled through mediation before problems spiral out of control.

The session also highlighted the growing development of the Legal Helpdesk, a community based initiative by MP Sjamira Roseburg that is steadily taking shape. MP Roseburg attended the event and shared her perspectives on how the Legal Helpdesk aims to provide residents with early guidance, support, and access to tools such as mediation, including planned monthly free legal advice sessions, so that disputes are addressed before they turn into costly court cases.

As the Legal Helpdesk continues to grow and more residents experience the benefits of mediation, the community is moving toward a more proactive, people centered approach to conflict resolution. Monday night’s session showed that when knowledge, dialogue, and practical resources come together, everyone stands to benefit. Residents are encouraged to look out for the free consultation sessions scheduled for December 4.

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