Divorce mediation is a non-adversarial and informal process during which an impartial third party, the mediator, assists the divorcing couple in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement regarding the issues of their divorce.  Mediation offers significant advantages to couples who have the courage to dialogue with each other regarding both their conflicts and their mutual interests as they stand at the crossroads of divorce. The couple collaborates as they define what is ‘fair’ and each gives up the option of blaming attorneys or judges for imposing an unfair settlement upon them because THEY had the power to create their settlement. The process will help you to put all your “divorce pieces” in perspective as you make choices about your future and your family’s future.

Benefits of Mediation

The bottom line: Divorce is never easy on a family, but the use of mediation rather than the adversarial process, can enable couples to approach a divorce from the values of their faith and a family-centered perspective. The couple can make healthy decisions as they construct plans together for their finances and parenting after the divorce.'

Avoid a "Bad Divorce"

Don’t let your divorce be another “bad divorce” story. A “bad divorce” can encompass a person who…

• feels their “side” was taken advantage of
• didn’t feel they got a fair settlement – other person got “more”
• spent all their money on attorneys
• feels they lost “everything”
• didn’t feel they were heard in the process
• isn’t getting to spend time with their children
• feels the children were a “bargaining” tool
• is still feuding with an ex-spouse even after the divorce is over

The above scenarios are just a few that I have heard over and over as to why folks say they had a “bad” divorce. Divorce conflict is extremely difficult because the relationship has been the most intimate. Two people who once were (and maybe still are) deeply in love often can grow to hate each other with such passion. It is easy for that passion to lead to litigation, and the conduct and damage during that process may have irreversible damage. When fear and pain are in the driver’s seat of our lives, we react from an emotional position of protection. More often than not, people believe they have to begin a “war” with one another when facing divorce; however, through the process of mediation there is an alternative.

What is Marital Mediation?

Marital mediation (also known as "marriage mediation" and "mediation to stay married") is an emerging niche in the filed of mediation.  During the mediation the couple is given tools in how to save a marriage from divorce.  It allows the couple to address their issues (that could lead to a divorce) in a business negotiation approach in hopes of marital reconciliation where their marriage is improved and repaired.

For more information regarding fees, the process and your next step, contact Sandra to set up an initial phone consultation.