WHAT IS MEDIATION

Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates respectful discussion between you and your spouse so that the two of you can make mutually acceptable decisions for the future of your family.

WHY MEDIATION

PRESERVATION OF SELF & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING OF FAMILY

Mediation is a process designed to maintain your family’s dignity while navigating the transition from one household to two. 

A neutral facilitator will foster an effective environment to have hard conversations. Mediation does not make the tough conversations easy, but it is designed to make them respectful, productive and safe.

MAINTAINING CONTROL OVER THE OUTCOME

The mediation process preserves your right to remain the decision maker on important family matters. The mediator will support you by facilitating respectful communication and guide you through an effective problem solving process.  

All decisions must be mutually agreed upon by both parties and either party is allowed to withdrawal from the process at any time. At no time will the mediator make decisions for you. 

COST EFFECTIVE

Mediation eliminates the back and forth of traditional negotiation and the adversarial nature of litigation.

Parties are sharing the cost of one professional whose job is to facilitate effective communication and support you in coming to mutually agreeable solutions. 

PROCESS

As a social worker, I specialize in mediating parenting plans and co-parenting related matters. In the event that you wish to mediate property and/or support related matters I recommend including a financial expert and or lawyers. All process-related issues will be discussed prior to your first joint session.   

Mediation is a voluntary process in which both parties agree to participate freely. I ask that both parties initiate contact with me to confirm their willingness to mediate.  

I will meet with each party individually to identify the issues to be mediated and screen for appropriateness. 

At the first joint session parties will review and sign an Agreement to Mediate. The ground rules for a respectful process will be reviewed and discussion of the issues can begin. 

Joint sessions will continue until a mutual agreement is reached. Sessions will be scheduled effectively to allow for information processing and exchange. 

Once an agreement is reached I will provide you with a Mediation Report. This report is not binding and is not signed by the parties. The Mediation Report is used by lawyers to create or add to a Separation Agreement.

I recommend that parties seek legal advice as needed throughout the mediation process. The mediation process is more effective when parties are negotiating with full knowledge of their rights and responsibilities and in doing so, translates into lower overall costs. 

I am not a lawyer and will not provide legal advice or opinion.