Family Mediation can be used to solve a diverse array of family and domestic relations issues.  From divorce, child support and parenting plans, to conflict surrounding probate and care of an elderly family member.

In family litigation, each spouse or family member retains her own attorney to represent her separate interests and a contest of wills begins.  Every slice of the pie gained by one is a slice lost by the other.  As a zealous advocate for his or her client, each attorney’s job is simply to get more slices and deprive the other party of them.  This is the way the adversarial system is set up to work.  It can be emotionally devastating and deplete a family’s financial resources – money that should be going to your family is going to attorneys instead. 

 In family mediation, a certified mediator guides the family or couple through a negotiated settlement. 

We begin by determining what the issues are, is it a parenting plan, support obligations, disposition of assets, or housing alternatives for mom.  Next, we focus on everyone’s interests and not simply their positions.  This leads to cooperative decision making that is much more efficient in time and costs – all the costs of family litigation or conflict – money, relationships, and heartache. 

A mediator is a neutral third party.  She is not there to take sides or to judge your interests; she is also not there to provide you with a solution.  Her role is to help the parties understand and communicate their interest and find their own fair and sustainable solution that works for their family.

Learn more about Mediation in Divorce