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Benefits of Mediation

Meet the Mediator

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Mediation is a process; an extremely powerful process. As a mediator, I have been trained and have acquired the skills needed to guide you through the process. Once you have decided that mediation is right for you, here is what to expect:

1.  I will schedule an initial session for the parties involved. This session typically lasts two hours, and will be scheduled at your convenience. I am available for mediations days, evenings and even weekends if needed. The two of you might decide to include your lawyers in this session; however, many prefer to contact their lawyers after the initial session to discuss any legal questions.

2.  I will mail a copy of the "Agreement to Mediate" to each of you, or you may view and print it here.  Please read this document and be prepared to sign it when we begin.

3.  During the initial session, each of you will have the opportunity to talk, without interruption, about your concerns and needs.

4.  Once we are certain that we have identified each of the concerns and needs, we will begin to try to determine how those needs might be met in a manner that both of you are comfortable with. This time often involves "brainstorming" to develop solutions that work for you and your family's unique situation.

5.  As you reach agreement on a specific issue, I will record what was decided. Please note that this recording is NOT a final agreement.

6.  We will then address the next issue and "brainstorm" again, until each concern has been addressed and solutions have been developed.

7.  I will prepare a "Memorandum of Understanding", which will document the agreements that have been decided. This form, if signed by both parties and their lawyers, is considered to be legally binding. Sometimes people choose to have a lawyer who represents one party write the "Memorandum of Understanding" in legal language, and then have a lawyer who represents the other party review the document.

Please understand that mediation usually involves more than one session.  People seem to work through the mediation process better in small (2-3 hour) sessions. Doing mediations in this way also allows time between sessions to seek legal advice if needed. The amount of time needed will depend upon your needs and concerns.