Family mediation can help you resolve separation and divorce issues, work out parenting and financial plans, or address challenges with elderly parents and estate issues.
The family mediator works with all of the people involved in a dispute to explore the issues and find solutions to fit the unique needs of each member of the family. The mediator is neutral and is not the lawyer for any one person in the dispute.
To start out, the family mediator will meet separately with each person involved in the dispute. At this meeting, you will be able to privately share your perspective on the problem, identify your goals for resolution and prepare to participate effectively at the joint mediation sessions.
Joint mediation sessions include all the people involved in the dispute. At the first session, each person signs an Agreement to Mediate, which protects the privacy of information exchanged and the confidentiality of the process. Further mediation sessions are scheduled as needed.
The mediator’s job is to:
- Manage the agenda to meet your needs
- Assist you in expressing yourself and hearing other perspectives
- Manage stressful interactions and high emotion
- Ensure you have all the information you need to make decisions
- Work with you to create a variety of options for solving the problem
- Help you choose the best options based on what is important to you
- Clarify and record the specific details of your agreement
- Create opportunities to obtain legal advice throughout the process.
Mediation leads people to a better understanding of the problem. When differences are managed effectively, people can find creative, sensible solutions that meet their interests.
We prefer to work with both partners – which means we are your mediators. We will ensure you connect with experienced lawyers who can give each of you independent legal advice before signing any legal documents.
