Disputes surrounding divorce, child custody, and visitation rights are some of the most painful and difficult things to separate your emotions from. For many parents, this either never happens or doesn’t happen until long after the divorce process. Family Mediation is a civil process of resolving these kinds disputes and is less formal than a courtroom setting, but more formal than a counseling session. Most divorces are one-sided and very rarely will a couple sit down and come to a decision together. Some spouses struggle for years with feelings of emotional distance before they come to the conclusion that divorce is the only solution to their problems. A mediator will listen to all parties involved in the conflict and encourage the two sides to arrive at a mutually agreed upon decision. The mediator may recommend possible scenarios, including best and worst, but does not provide legal advice to the parties. It’s important to remember that the mediator is not a judge and will not be rendering a decision in any family mediation disputes. The end goal is to arrive at a solution that everyone can live with. Family mediation shouldn’t be confused with marriage counseling and therapy. It works best when families want to work out their conflicts privately and with strict confidentiality. If the family cannot come to an agreement through family mediation, they may have to move to a more formal legal means of resolving a dispute.

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