When it's clear that your marriage has come to an end, we can help.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is essentially a problem solving conversation between spouses who have decided to end their marriage.
The divorce mediator’s responsibility is to provide the couple with a structured, balanced and safe environment within which they can come to a mutually agreed upon conclusion about property distribution and time with children.
Unlike the court system, divorce mediation is completely voluntary, non-adversarial and confidential. The court system tends to be coercive, adversarial and public. In addition, mediation is almost certainly much less expensive than litigation and much quicker.
We believe divorce is primarily an emotional event. The legal aspect of divorce simply formalizes the intention and/or the fact of the emotional divorce. The legal profession has an essential role in divorce but it should be engaged at the end of the process, not at the beginning.
A Different Way to Divorce
If divorce is all about disentangling two people emotionally, then it makes sense to begin with a mediator and NOT to an attorney. The legal process is by its very nature adversarial. Adding an aversarial ingredient to an already conflict ridden situation is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Granted, eventually the fire will burn itself out but the damage that will likely occur in the process is usually substantial.
Our approach to divorce begins with the assumption that most divorcing couples are seeking freedom—freedom from anger, confusion and fear. Many who have experienced a difficult divorce would agree that introducing an attorney at the beginning of the divorce only increases anger, confusion and fear.
Our approach to divorce begins with the assumption that most divorcing couples are seeking freedom—freedom from anger, confusion and fear. Many who have experienced a difficult divorce would agree that introducing an attorney at the beginning of the divorce only increases anger, confusion and fear.
Mediation is the best route to divorce.
Advantages to Divorce Mediation
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Divorce and Your Family
Children take their cues from their parents. When their parents find a way to divorce peacefully, children will adjust well to the changed circumstances. When parents respond to their divorce with anger, confusion and fear, children will follow suit...feeling, anger, confusion and fear.
How your children deal with your divorce is, to a large extent, up to you.
How your children deal with your divorce is, to a large extent, up to you.
Consider inviting your children into a healing transition.
Divorce is a family affair. The effects ripple through the nuclear family and out to the extended family. Most people say it's best to keep the children out of the process. In many, many ways that is true. But, there are points where involving children can help everyone adjust to the new reality.
We are trained divorce mediators but we are also a child psychologist and a marriage and family therapist. Combined, these skills offer a great avenue for helping your family adjust to its new reality.
When it's right, we will ask you to invite your children (and even your extended family) into the process of moving forward together.
When it's right, we will ask you to invite your children (and even your extended family) into the process of moving forward together.