Mediation is an efficient and less expensive process than many other options that is designed to help people reach the best agreements for themselves.  A trained, professional mediator assists you in obtaining the information you need and in focusing on the issues that must be resolved in order to make decisions that work for you.

Mediation provides a structured process in which couples can make decisions about conflict or issues that are likely to lead to conflict in the future. Mediation is based on the principles of informed decision-making, self-determination, and voluntariness. No one has to agree in mediation even if the court has referred you to mediation or mandated your attendance. Talking together when you're angry, or the issues are emotional, can be very frustrating at times. Having someone else there to assist you in managing the discussion and guide you in determining the topics that need to be talked about is generally helpful in finding the best solutions. The mediator

• manages the process
• keeps you on track
• focuses on your objectives
• provides guidance to help you meet your goals
• assists you in identifying the important issues to discuss
• helps you develop the options that might resolve those issues
• works with everyone to understand needs and concerns
• talks through what might happen if all of you can't agree, and
• helps you plan for implementation of any agreements that you achieve

Everyone is involved in the problem solving process. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to discuss whether mediation might be appropriate for your situation.