FAMILY MEDIATIONWhat is Mediation

Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party. Mediation enables the parties to resolve conflict equitably and cost-effectively. In litigation, one party wins and the other must comply with the ultimate decision of the court. The hallmark of mediation is that both parties’ needs and interests are addressed and understood such that this process allows for a more creative and workable solution.

Family and Divorce Mediation

Mediation is one way for family members to resolve their own conflicts during and after divorce. At Alternative Strategies, Inc. mediation works because it is a voluntary and self-directed process with the assistance of a third party neutral.

The parties take control of their divorce process and settlement rather than simply resigning themselves to the uncertainty of litigation. The parties, not a judge or jury, determine the ultimate structure of their divorce with the help of the mediator.

At Alternative Strategies, Inc. mediation works because of the special skills of our mediators. Sympathetic yet impartial, we help guide people to move beyond adversarial positions and towards successful resolution.

Our goal is to create a comfortable, confidential environment for parties to identify issues, generate options and evaluate possible solutions. We pride ourselves on developing creative solutions that may work for your family.

Given this positive framework, most couples that elect divorce mediation do reach a mutually satisfying agreement.

Why Divorce Mediation

Divorce is a time of change for families. Plans for the children, division of property and financial arrangements all need to be determined. Divorce is also a time of great emotional upheaval. These changes and emotions may result in conflicts between family members. How these conflicts are resolved can influence a family’s adjustment to divorce.

For most people, conflict is frightening and stressful. On the other hand, conflict can result in the productive airing of differences and typically leads to creative solutions that address the changing needs of all family members.

Take Control Of Your Divorce Process

Too often in the divorce process, family members feel like bystanders while lawyers, judges, and others work out these crucial issues that directly impact their family. Even in the face of anger, fear and hurt, it is possible for people to negotiate an agreement which balances the interests and needs of each family member.

The Benefits Of Mediation

Confidential process
Cost effective
Time efficient

Mediation Research

Research shows that for those individuals who participate and work towards a resolution, mediation does work.

Comparing couples who have mediated their divorce with couples who take a traditional adversarial/litigated approach to their divorce, the overall conclusions are:

Couples who choose mediation are much more satisfied with not only the process but with the mediated agreement.
Agreements achieved through the mediation process tend to be more comprehensive than settlements reached through the court system.
Most importantly, mediated agreements tend to stand the test of time and are less likely to be renegotiated in the future.

Family Mediation Options

Pre-Decree Mediation

In Pre-Decree mediation, the parties work together to resolve all issues encompassed in the divorcing process.

Post-Decree Mediation

In Post-Decree mediation, the parties come together to discuss a specific issue or issues as it relates to their settlement agreement as filed by the court.

Marital Mediation

Marital mediation is an opportunity for couples who wish to stay married and/or in a committed relationship to work on resolving specific issues that affect their relationship. This is not a replacement for therapy, but often complements a therapeutic approach and may result in a post nuptial agreement.

The Divorce Process

Alternative Strategies, Inc. assists couples to reach fair agreements related to:

Parenting arrangements including custody and visitation
Child support
Maintenance/alimony
Asset/Liability division
Property division
Post-divorce issues

To achieve this, our mediators:

Structure the mediation process
Help both parties understand interpersonal and financial issues
Assist the couple to identify and share information with each other
Act as a resource for creative ideas and options
Guide both parties in negotiating a fair and equitable agreement
Prepare a memorandum of the agreements reached
Communicate regularly with the couple’s attorneys to ensure that both parties are fully informed

Looking for a compassionate, impartial and experienced mediator?

Contact Us