Family Mediation
Family mediation helps reduce stress, avoid lengthy court battles, and create a foundation for moving forward. With professional guidance, negotiation and compromise can lead to solutions that work for everyone involved.
Family Mediation: A Better Way​
-
Time-Sharing & Custody – Develop parenting plans that prioritize the child's best interests.
-
Blended Family Mediation – Help families navigate the challenges of step-parenting and co-parenting dynamics.
-
Alimony & Spousal Support – Reach agreements on financial support during and after separation.
-
Child Support – Establish or modify child support arrangements that are compliant with the law.
-
Separation Agreements – Define clear terms for couples separating without immediate an immediate plan for divorce.
-
Parental Alienation – Address concerns about strained parent-child relationships and work toward solutions.
-
Family Disputes – Resolve conflicts involving extended family members and household dynamics.
-
Elder Care Conflicts – Mediate disagreements regarding aging parents, caregiving responsibilities, and care planning.
The end of a relationship can feel overwhelming, even when both parties know it is coming. Emotions like anger, pain, and disappointment can make clear decision-making difficult—especially when children, finances, and shared assets are involved. Custody, support, time sharing, alimony, asset distribution — words most people think they will never hear suddenly become part of your vocabulary. You are spending hours of time with attorneys and the bills are coming in. The average cost of a contested divorce is between $15,000 and $30,000. It can take as long as two years to settle and the cost will continue to rise. Quickly, it becomes adversarial. The world spins out of control. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
What is a Family Mediator?
-
Facilitates Conflict Resolution – Works with individuals navigating divorce, separation, or family disputes.
-
Acts as a Neutral Third Party – Has no personal connection to either party and remains impartial throughout the process.
-
Encourages Thoughtful Solutions – Asks questions to help both sides consider perspectives that lead to equitable resolutions.
-
Is Not a Legal or Financial Representative – Does not function as an attorney, accountant, real estate agent, or therapist.
-
Ensures Confidentiality – Mediation discussions remain private; mediators cannot be called to testify in court.
-
Protects Your Privacy – Unlike court proceedings, which are public, mediation keeps your personal matters confidential.
Who Can Benefit From Mediation?
-
Couples Dissolving Their Relationship – Those seeking a fair, reasonable, and structured way to separate.
-
Married Couples, Domestic Partners, & Co-Parents – Individuals working through custody, time-sharing, and parenting agreements.
-
Families in Conflict – Those facing disputes over parenting concerns, custody issues, or extended family disagreements.
-
Individuals Seeking a Peaceful Resolution – Mediation helps resolve matters related to parenting, assets, and personal belongings with less hostility and anger.
-
Families Wanting to Avoid Court – Mediation offers a cost-effective and less stressful alternative to litigation.
What Are the Mediation Options?
-
Pro Se – No attorneys are involved; you choose to handle the process yourself to avoid high legal fees. A mediator helps you reach an agreement, and you file the divorce paperwork on your own. You may consult an attorney to review the final agreement if desired.
-
Pre Suit – You have not filed for divorce but need to finalize the details of custody, finances, and your new family structure. You may have an attorney review your agreement, but you prefer to handle negotiations independently. A mediator facilitates discussions, giving you control over the decision-making process. You may decide to proceed with filing for a divorce without an attorney because both of you are confident you have an agreement that meets your needs, you have completed the necessary paperwork and filed everything with the court. Many people have successfully proceeded in this way.
When Should You Hire a Mediator?
-
Before a lengthy legal battle takes an emotional, financial, and personal toll on you and your family.
-
When you want to stay in control rather than leaving life-altering decisions to a judge who doesn’t know your situation.
-
To reduce conflict and emotional strain while working toward a equitable resolution.
-
To avoid the high costs and stress of litigation, which can be financially and mentally draining.
-
When you want a structured, solution-focused process that allows for thoughtful decision-making instead of courtroom battles.
My family is not what most consider "traditional."
-
Families Come in Many Forms – Every family is unique, and mediation helps create agreements that reflect their specific needs.
-
Non-Traditional Families Welcome – I understand and respect diverse family structures, ensuring an equitable solution for all members.
-
Defining Life After Separation – Mediation helps create structured agreements for couples who are not legally married but share property, responsibilities, or children.
-
Considering Pets in Agreements – While state laws vary, emotional bonds with pets matter, and mediation ensures they are considered in separation discussions.
-
Your Needs, Your Agreements – Mediation provides a personalized, structured approach that prioritizes long-term stability.
Is Mediation Really Worth the Cost?
A better question might be: Is your family worth it? Consider the alternative of a legal battle and the emotional turmoil surrounding that.
​
Mediation is an investment in the foundation of your family’s restructuring.