A Better Way

The end of a relationship can be overwhelming. If both parties aren’t expecting it, there are layers of anger, pain, disappointment and disillusionment. And it’s made more complicated if the couple has children. Custody, Support, Time Sharing, Alimony, Divorce, Asset Distribution – words most people think they will never hear suddenly become part of their vocabulary. The world spins out of control. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

A trained mediator with a background in coaching and a career as mental health professional can bring compassion and knowledge to the process. Mediators hold the standard of confidentiality to be of most importance and bring a code of ethics to the table which will provide you with the best possible service. It is a mediator’s duty to work with both parties to achieve a mutually determined agreement through clear communication and skilled facilitation. By taking the path of mediation, you can choose to mitigate the expense of a lengthy legal process by allowing you to maintain control over the decision making rather than a judge who doesn’t know you or your family. This allows your family to function in the new structure which you create. Mediation empowers you to build the bridge to that structure.

When we talk about mediation, it is not exclusive to married couples. Very often couples who have lived together, but never married, may or may not have children and can benefit from mediation. When you make a decision to terminate your relationship, you may have a need to determine an equitable distribution of assets and they find that a mediator is able to assist in that facilitation. If you do have children, a mediator can work with you on parenting issues.

Fundamentally, the basis of mediation is compromise and working towards an agreement that meets some of the needs of everyone involved. Basically, everyone gets something they want in mediation. When a judge makes the decisions for you, that may not happen.

For everyone in your family, mediation is – a better way.