Mediation is a form of voluntary dispute resolution between two parties in conflict and a third neutral party -- the mediator. Neutrality is an essential feature of the mediator -- he or she must have no stake in the outcome of the mediation and no bias (positive or negative) toward either party. The process itself involves the mediator facilitating discussion of the issues that the parties have brought to the table for resolution, helping the parties generate options and come to agreement. The primary feature of mediation is that the parties make all decisions themselves. The mediator's role is not to make decisions, but rather to help the parties structure their discussion, examine options, and identify areas of agreement. Virtually any type of disagreement can be mediated, provided that both parties are willing and able.
Family mediations can be particularly complex due to their highly emotional nature. Divorce and post-divorce planning involve many decisions, spanning financial, educational, legal, emotional, medical, geographical, logistical, and psychological considerations. Any disputes the parties raise and are willing to discuss are mediatable. Parties entering mediation may opt to mediate some or all of their issues. They may choose to mediate on some and go to court on others, namely those on which they absolutely cannot reach agreement. The decision of which issues to mediate is the decision of the parties, not the mediator. Some couples will mediate issues in great detail, if they have a need for significant structure, while others will develop a more general framework in mediation and agree to tweak things between themselves as needed.
Jill specializes in the mediation of family-focused issues, including:
- Pre-Marital Planning
- Custody and Visitation
- Post-Divorce Parenting Plan
- Child Support
- Blended Family Issues
- Open Adoption Agreements
- Parent-Child Disputes
- Multigenerational Disputes
For more information about how mediation can help your family, please contact Jill directly.
