As a trained Domestic Relations Mediator, I work with parting couples to assist them in peacefully and respectfully resolve the outstanding issues that confront them.

Neutrality
Mediation provides the opportunity for a husband and wife to work out the terms of their own separation or divorce agreement in a safe, neutral environment with the assistance of a trained neutral third person. This neutral third party does not render a decision, but helps the parties consider and/or develop alternatives to disputes regarding custody, visitation, shared parenting, support, and the equitable division of property.

The Process
The process supports a non-adversarial approach to the resolution of issues between the parties. It assists both parties to understand all of the issues and to work out creative solutions geared to the needs of the parties involved. This places control over the resolution with the parties rather than with attorneys, judges, or court personnel

Reducing the Conflict
Mediation is often helpful in working past the anger, conflict and loss associated with separation and divorce. This process also can become the setting in which a sound foundation for the future may be established. This results in minimizing the disruption in the lives of all family members. Experience has shown that settlements reached through mediation are more likely to be accepted and honored by both parties than those reached through the traditional adversarial process. Such agreements are also likely to be worked out more quickly and at less expense.

Why Mediation:
• Mediation allows the divorcing couple to create their own divorce agreement
• Mediation reduces the adverse effects of divorce on the children - a dissolution of the marriage and a reorganization of the family
• Mediation is less expensive
• Mediation provides for a fair division of assets
• Mediation provides a neutral environment in which divorcing couples can discuss options and vent feelings openly
• Mediation assists individuals in making the transition from being a married person to being a single person
• Mediated divorce agreements are more likely to be adhered to than litigated or stipulated divorce agreements
• The divorcing couple has a better understanding of the terms contained in the divorce agreement
• Mediation encourages post-divorce cooperation
• Mediation is available for post-divorce disputes

Reducing the Adverse Affect on Children
Mediation focuses upon the future and the best interest of the children. The parties come together to minimize the adverse affect upon the children, giving priority to their needs and interests. Eliminating the win-lose scenario gives all the parties a win-win. Ir allows the parties to “reorganize” the family unit. It recognizes that while the parties are divorcing one another as spouses, they are not divorcing themselves from their children or from their role as parents. This assists in laying a good foundation for post-divorce cooperation.

Fairness
The mediation process allows the parties to come together respectfully, understanding that they can come to a resolution which is fair and acceptable to both parties. This is unlike the litigation model in which one party “wins” and another “loses”.

Cost to the Parties
Mediation is less expensive than litigation.