Mediation is a non-adversarial approach to problem resolution. Conflicts that directly affect family, finances, business and personal life can be resolved through mediation.
What does a Mediator do?
The mediator is an impartial person who helps disputing parties make informed decisions and develop mutually acceptable agreements. Mediators help couples separate from their spousal role - which is ending, and work on their parental role - which is continuing.
Does Mediation replace the need for legal advice?
No, it does not. No legal counsel is given. Legal questions require the advice of an attorney.
How does Family Mediation work?
The mediator helps people examine their situation in terms of their interests and needs. The parties gather relevant information and then propose and discuss settlement options. Decisions are made which allow each person to realize a positive result. After review by legal counsel, mediated agreements may be incorporated into a judgment through appropriate legal procedure.
What are the benefits of Mediation?
The goal of mediation is to resolve differences. Mediation also:
promotes communication and cooperation,
typically costs less and takes less time than litigation,
is confidential, avoiding public disclosure of private issues,
benefits children and others by reducing conflict,
allows you to control the decisions that affect your life.
Does Mediation Make Divorce Easier?
Mediation helps families resolve conflicts that arise concerning custody, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, property and debt. When there are immediate concerns, the mediator can help families design temporary agreements while long-term agreements are being negotiated.
Can Mediation help separating couples?
Sometimes couples separate to get a fresh perspective on their relationship. However, most families have ongoing personal and financial responsibilities that must be met during this period. Therefore, parties can create agreements to meet these interim needs.
Can Mediation help after divorce?
Changing circumstances can result in conflicts over parenting arrangements or support. For this reason parents welcome having a calm, convenient and impartial environment to discuss these issues. When appropriate, other people such as stepparents or grandparents, may be involved in the mediation to share their own interests and needs.
Can Mediation be used for habitation or nuptial agreements?
Mediation provides a trusting environment in which to communicate concerns. Moreover, mediation can be used to help people formulate agreements that will minimize misunderstandings and conflicts during a marriage or other shared-residential arrangement
What types of disputes can be Mediated?
Though most any dispute, from international to neighborhood, can be assisted with mediation, FMC members focus their mediation services on disputes involving:
Divorce and Post-Divorce
Family
Parent/Teen
Guardianship and Estate matters
Co-Habitation and Nuptial arrangements
Nuptial arrangements
Family-owned or closely held business
What is the FMC?
The FMC is a group of professionals who have received training in mediation with special focus on family and divorce. The FMC will provide, at no cost to you, a list of mediators who are trained to intervene in divorce and family disputes.
What does Mediation cost and how long does it take?
Each mediator sets his/her own fee schedule, generally based on an hourly rate. The length of and number of mediation sessions required will vary depending on the types of issues to be resolved, the relevant information to be gathered, and the schedule of the clients and the mediator.
