Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution where a third party neutral, typically a lawyer, facilitates a settlement agreement in your case.
Mediation is confidential and mediators are impartial.
The mediator does not “decide” or “rule” on the outcome; the mediator’s role is assisting in identifying issues, facilitating communication, focusing interests, exploring alternatives, and helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Mediation is about self-determination — you get to decide the outcome of your case.
Mediation is an option in any civil case but is especially useful in the family law context due to the interests of privacy, flexibility and creativity in finding an arrangement that works for your family, and avoiding the slings and arrows of the courtroom.
Child abuse and neglect is rampant, and we all have a duty to protect children. The US Department of Health and Human Services has published the following list to aid the public in recognizing signs of abuse and neglect in children:
The Child
1. Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance 2. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention 3. Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes 4. Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen 5. Lacks adult supervision 6. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn 7. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
The Parent
1. Shows little concern for the child 2. Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems in school or at home 3. Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves 4. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome 5. Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve 6. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
The Parent and Child
1. Rarely touch or look at each other 2. Consider their relationship entirely negative 3. State that they do not like each other
Divorce can be a difficult situation for all parties involved, especially the children. Many children are confused about the situation and do not understand why their parents are separating.
Although this can be difficult, talking with children is a crucial part of the puzzle when you are dealing with a divorce. Parents often put off talking to their children about divorce because they are unsure how to explain such a complex situation. But a delay in talking with your children can actually make the divorce more difficult for the children in the long run.
When children are suddenly surprised with the divorce of their parents, they go through a great deal of emotions. Many feel as if it is their fault that their parents are separating, while many begin acting out and become angry with others. This is another reason why explaining to your children why you and your spouse are divorcing is very important.
To help you make this process easier, here are six strategies for talking with your kids about divorce. While it may seem beyond your capabilities, just remember that there are ways to make it easier on both yourself and your children.
Talk to your children with your spouse, if possible. If you present a united front to your children, they may not be as confused about the situation.
Carefully, and appropriately, explain the reasons for the divorce. Make sure whatever you tell your children is appropriate to their age and maturity level.
Make it clear that the divorce is not the child’s fault. Many children struggle with guilt during their parent’s separation. Be sure to reiterate that this is not their fault.
Maintain eye contact and a calm attitude. In order for your children to believe the situation, you must remain calm and truthful. If you begin to get angry, the child may become angry and upset as well.
Avoid blaming your spouse. Although you will have personal issues with your spouse, they are still the child’s parent. Do not put down your spouse to the child. This will only create more stress on the child, making them feel like they should have to pick sides when they should not.
Allow plenty of time for children to ask questions. They will have many questions as to why this is happening and what is going to happen in the future, and they deserve to have those questions answered to your fullest abilities.
Remember, every family is different. Talking about your divorce with your children can be difficult, but will be a critical step forward in the healing process.
After going through a divorce or re-marriage, many changes can take place. Making things work for a new blended family does come with tests, but they do not have to be difficult. With the holiday closing in a blended family may run into a few challenges. These challenges can be countless, but they do not have to be terrible.
Below are tips on how to help your blended family work and to ensure a happy holiday season:
• Focus on the children: Be sure to keep your focus on making the holidays pleasant for your children. You do not want your own hatreds or frustrations to be brought up.
• Plan Ahead: Plan your schedule early. Ask each family member to participate in the planning and decision making. This is just another great way to bring the family closer.
• Be patient and communicate: Remember this is something new for not just you but the children as well. Children may not quite understand the choices that were made. Certain feelings of confusion, jealously, insecurity, and more are all something a child can feel in a blended family. This is why it is important to be patient with the child and give them time to adapt.
• Never make the child choose: It is never a good idea to try and compete with your children’s “other” parents. Try to be on the same page about gift giving and other expenses when it comes to the children.
• Blend old traditions with the new traditions: This is important for a blended family. Incorporating old traditions with the new ones can help. This is a way to help bond the family together.
• Share feelings: Allowing everyone to share their feelings can be beneficial. The holidays can sometimes bring up all different emotions. Allow the children to be open and honest with their feelings. Once the feelings are out there, you can help them move past them and focus on the future.
When it comes to getting a divorce not everything has to be a knock-down, drawn-out affair for both parties. Divorce mediation can help avoid court and resolve numerous questions. Mediation is one of the most frequently used methods of alternative dispute resolution when it comes to negotiating a divorce settlement.
Here are a few facts about Mediation that will help answer common questions about the process.
What is Mediation? Mediation is used to settle disputes when two parties are unable to agree or settle a disagreement. It is not binding unless an agreement is reached.
What is a mediator? In mediation, several people will be present such as, the parties, their attorneys, and the mediator. A mediator is a neutral party that is specially trained to help the parties create a fair and reasonable divorce agreement. The goal for every mediator is to reach an agreement that both parties are happy with, or that they can at least live with.
What is discussed in Mediation? Several divorce matters are discussed while in mediation. You and your soon to be ex-spouse need to decide more than a few important issues. The most common issues that are discussed are: distribution of property/assets/liabilities, child custody, child support, retirement, taxes, and more.
How long does mediation take? The length of mediation can vary on what issues have to be agreed upon. Also, the length of time spent in mediation can be determined by you and your spouse’s willingness to cooperate and come up with an agreement. Divorce mediation can be completed in as little as a couple of hours to an entire day.
What happens after Mediation? Depending on if both parties have come to an agreement or not will determine what will happen after mediation. In most cases, mediation results in the parties leaving with a written and signed agreement. The agreement will lay out every detail that the parties agreed on. The agreement is then filed in the Court and will be ratified by a Judge.
