Family Mediation
What is it? Mediation is a series of structured conversations between parties who want to work together to reach an agreement on a particular issue or problem. The mediator is a neutral person whose job is to help guide the parties toward a self-determined resolution, one based on their understanding of their own views, each other's views, and the reality they each face. The process is voluntary and confidential.
Why mediation? Family mediation can often be an effective alternative to costly court proceedings or unproductive, hurtful arguments. Confronting complicated life changes in our families can be daunting. An experienced mediator works to understand the issues that underlie a particular problem and helps to focus and guide the discussion. She maintains neutrality, makes sure that everyone is heard, and helps the parties develop options or alternatives that may not have been explored before. The mediation process creates a safe space where, with the right guidance and information, the parties make decisions for themselves that are mutually acceptable to everyone involved.
Will mediation work for us? The mediation process requires that the parties be able to speak for themselves and feel comfortable expressing their feelings, because they won't have advocates in the room speaking for them. Mediation is genearlly not appropriate where there has been a history of domestic violence, psychological intimidation, substance abuse, or in a divorce or separation where one person is hiding assets from the other. That being said, there are always exceptions, so it's worth an inquiry if you think mediation would be appropriate for your family.
Types of mediation. Mediation is particularly effective for family relationships, since they are ongoing. For instance, it can be used for couples who are splitting up (with or without children), for parents and teenagers, for adult siblings whose parents can't safely live alone anymore, or for family members deciding what to do with the family home. The following pages on our Web site go into more detail about how mediation works in specific areas:
Divorce Mediation
Divorce with dignity: avoid the cost and strife of court. More...
Elder Mediation
Changing roles and hard decisions: elder care mediation can help. More...
Probate Mediation
Family disagreements only deepen the pain of a loved one's passing; mediation fosters communication and can be part of the healing process. More...
Parent-Teen Mediation
When communication breaks down, mediation can help. More...
Custody Mediation
Make a custody/visitation plan that works. More...
Relationship & Marital Mediation
Can you work it out? A mediator can help you and your partner talk about sensitive or contentious issues and maybe even move beyond them. More...
How do we get started? Browse the information on our Web site and the links on our resources page. Talk to the other people involved in your family situation and see if they are willing to try mediation. You might suggest they look at our Web site, too. Then call us to schedule a consulation.