About Family Mediation

Mediation is a process whereby a neutral third person or party, a mediator, acts to encourage and help bring about the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties.  It is an relaxed, informal, and non-adversarial process with the purpose of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement, leaving both parties happier in the end. In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties.  The role of the mediator includes, but is not limited to: assisting the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem solving and exploring settlement alternatives.

Understanding the nature of a contemplated mediation process and consenting to participate in the described process is integral to Family Mediation. Following these guidelines makes the mediation process possible; voluntary, collaborative, controlled, confidential, informed, neutral, self-responsible.

1) Mediation is 100% voluntary. You can leave at any time for any reason, or for no reason at all.

2) Mediation is a joint effort. We encourage you to work together to resolve your conflict and to reach what all parties agree is the best agreement.

3) Mediation takes place in a controlled environment, with you in control. Having absolute control over decision-making and having a veto over each and every stipulation in any mediated agreement means you cannot be pressured into anything.

4) Mediation is a confidential process to the degree you would like and agree. All mediation proceedings and materials developed for mediation are not permissible in any subsequent court or other contested proceeding, except for the final signed mediated agreement. We are required to inform you of any exceptions to the confidentiality of your mediation.

5) Informative - The mediation process allows both parties to hear, learn and appreciate the issues and positions of the other party in a calm, neutral, and  non-adversarial setting. Informed parties make better decisions.

6) We are absolutely impartial and neutral.  As mediators we have a responsibility to remain impartial and balanced, assisting each party equally without favoring one's interests over the other. We are obligated to acknowledge any bias on any significant issues in discussion. Our role is to ensure that both parties reach an agreement in a voluntary, informed fashion absent of pressure and intimidation.

7) Satisfaction comes naturally with family mediation. After actively resolving your own conflict through the guidance of family mediation, contentment, likelihood of compliance, and confidence are known to increase significantly.

What we don't do:

• Make decisions
• Issue orders
• Take sides
• Give legal advice
• Make you stay

The law covering the behavior of mediators and the process of mediation do not allow us to do these things, and it is to your benefit that they do not.