Divorce/Family Matters/Probate

The Benefits of Mediation:

Private family mediation allows couples and families to work through divorce, post-divorce disputes, and other family matters, including guardianship, conservatorship and estate disputes, outside the impersonal world of the court system.  It fosters a sense of empowerment because the parties make decisions rather than leaving those decisions to a judge or magistrate.  Mediation also saves time and money, ensures privacy, and provides a forum where the participants can, if they choose, learn about conflict as a means of improved future communication. 

Privacy, Respect, and Accuracy:

All family and divorce mediations occur in private, confidential settings where respect is emphasized.  Parties can choose to meet with me together in one room or individually in separate rooms.  Parties may choose to have attorneys present or to meet with me on their own.  I will help through the entire negotiation/dialogue process. If resolution is reached, I will draft an agreement that accurately reflects the parties' wishes, interests and concerns.  The agreement is designed to be incorporated into the court's judgment.

The Process:

I will provide each participant with an agreement to mediate form and a list of items to review to prepare for the mediation.  For divorces, the mediation will cover division of property, finances and debt, tax issues, spousal support, and those issues involving children, including parental rights, residency, child support, and future contact schedules.  While it may seem possible to address all of these issues in one day, it is more likely the divorce mediation process will involve two or more sessions.  Because of the unique stresses of divorce, additional sessions allow couples time to carefully consider their important decisions. 

For Parents with Children:

Although divorce is painful and difficult, mediation offers parents who have an ongoing relationship surrounding their children a way to build improved communication and cooperation skills going forward.  This is done by identifying patterns of conflict, encouraging open discussion, and exploring ways to de-escalate conflict.  It is also done by making decisions together, even as you embark on separate lives.  Mediation offers a unique way to make your transition as positive as possible.

Family and Probate Matters other than Divorce:

For those matters other than divorce, including matters of probate or other family disputes, the mediation will cover all those issues that the parties would set before a court and any other issues the parties would like to address in the confidence of private mediation. 

Questions about services, availability and rates for Divorce/Family Matter Mediations?

Contact the office at (207) 409-3542 or via the contact form.