DIVORCE BY MEDIATION
-An empowering path-
Divorce mediation is a unique process whereby the parties resolve all of their parenting and financial issues incidental to their separation or divorce in ways that make sense to them. Grounded on the principle of self-determination, it guides the parties to come to voluntary, uncoerced decisions where each makes free and informed choices as to the process and their outcomes. As a mediator, my role is to create an atmosphere that supports both of you. I will assist you to identify issues, clarify perceptions and explain options so that you can design a mutually acceptable outcome.
Those issues could include parenting decisions, access to the children, identifying marital assets and debt and what it costs to live apart so that both of you can decide the amount and duration of support. Mediation structures the negotiations in a way that tends to avoid premature articulation of a goal. Rather than having the parties establish inflated positions, the mediator helps them define their positions based upon the data.
DIVORCE BY MEDIATION is a confidential, non-adversarial process helping people negotiate directly with one another to separate or dissolve a marriage once that decision is made. The goal of the mediator, and the purpose of the process, is to help move both parties into the area bounded by their respective goals.
The important aspects of DIVORCE BY MEDIATION are that:
It is non-adversarial. You are partners in decision-making.
It mutually empowers both parties. You must both agree on the solution or there is no agreement.
It helps clarify areas of conflict. Most couples have some conflict. The mediator helps you limit the conflict and discuss things productively.
It improves communication and relationships with one another. You both learn how to resolve issues cooperatively.
It produces lasting agreements and reduces stress associated with the adversarial process. All current and future issues will be discussed so that there is a framework to move forward without returning to court.
It reduces costs. The costs associated with a full mediation will typically be less than the retainer needed to secure your own attorney.
It is best for your children. All of the discussions are tempered by the fact that you are both parents of your children and you will have a continuing relationship as parents long after you have ended the spousal relationship.
Fees are moderate and on an hourly basis. There are no retainers. You pay only for the actual time you use. The average mediation takes twelve hours. Mediation of specific issues or for couples without children is shorter.