I offer transformative,
inclusive, and facilitative mediation. The appropriate approach may
differ based on the nature of the dispute and what the parties are
seeking. For example, a facilitative style may be in order for a
business or commercial dispute seeking to avoid or curtail litigation.
However, a transformative approach may be especially useful in divorce
mediation; mediated divorce offers an opportunity to not only reach
mutually acceptable agreements but also to begin the healing process
during what can be a very difficult and painful process for all members
of the family.
Time, money, and stress can take their toll on individuals,
relationships, and businesses as litigation takes on a life of its own.
As an experienced litigator, I understand well the substantial costs of
resolving disputes through the courts. Mediation is often far less
costly, both financially and emotionally. The greatest benefit mediation
offers, however, is control. Rather than leaving the resolution of a
dispute to a judge or jury, mediation allows the participants to make
the decisions about the outcome. Such control may be especially
important to divorcing couples who want to ensure decisions about their
children and co-parenting reflect their values and needs.
Mediation
is a tool that can be applied to a wide range of conflicts including
family disputes, business and consumer disputes, education disputes,
workplace matters, and neighbor or neighborhood conflicts.Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process. No one forces a party to enter an agreement--the goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that addresses and respects the needs of all parties.
Mediation
offers a process where the mediator helps the parties have a
conversation regarding the dispute between them. The mediator is a
neutral third-party and fosters an environment where the parties can
identify their interests, freely develop solutions, and, ideally, reach
an agreement on a mutually acceptable resolution.
Agreements
in mediation are generally limited only by the participants’ own
creativity. A mediated agreement may include many items that a court
would not have the power to order, (such as an apology), or that reflect
participants’ feelings and aspirations, (e.g., that both parents love
their children and want them to have strong relationships with both
parents). Mediated agreements can be as general or specific as the
participants desire.
If parties are represented by
counsel, I am pleased to coordinate with their attorneys as
appropriate. As a neutral, I do not represent mediation participants or
offer them legal advice.
In addition to in-person mediation sessions, I am able to offer web-based mediation via Skype or Google Voice. This is an especially useful tool for parties separated by large geographical differences and for cruisers. To schedule a session or if you have questions about the process email suzanne@svambrosia.com.
