How to Mediate

Susan is the catalyst for reducing pain and stress in the difficult process of separation and divorce. She will meet with you to help navigate all the issues you face in this difficult time.

Susan’s knowledge and professional Mediation experience will guide your discussions in a positive way allowing you to focus on decisions and creative solutions for child support, custody, spousal maintenance, property, retirement and more.

. . . And with less pain, less time, and less money.

Your decisions are documented. Your agreements are recorded. You will receive referrals to other resources if deemed necessary. Susan is here for you.

Contact Susan to begin Mediation. It will be a faster more cost effective way to resolve your issues and disputes.

The initial meeting is our conversation about the Mediation Process we can undergo together. You will be asked to review and return with a signed Agreement to Mediate, prior to getting started with the actual Mediation.

Timing and Goals

You will want to agree on the time-frame pertinent to addressing your goals. Property listing, year-end banking statements, severance packages, and any other time-sensitive issues including school district registration and day-care and pet-care programs can be discussed.

Key Documentation

You will be provided with lists to accurately define your current financial situation. W-2’s, Schedule C’s, property values, bank statements, financial statements, credit card balances, mortgages, loans, lines of credit, and all other financial assets will be addressed. We will also provide you with a budget template to help access your future needs.
Complicated issues such as pensions or private businesses may require advice from a specialist or to obtain true values. Tax consequences will also be discussed. You will be repeatedly asked, “Is there anything else you would like to address?”

How Many Times Do We Meet?

The number of meetings depends on the complexity of the negotiations. We will begin by defining your goals and issues. Meetings generally occur in two-hour segments. It may take two to five or more sessions to come to agreement on your needs. Finally, together we will craft your Memorandum of Understanding.

Once the Memorandum of Understanding is complete, what’s next?

We meet again to review your Memorandum of Understanding, and make any adjustments you deem necessary. We will move at your speed, and take the time necessary to make your Memorandum of Understanding “right” for both of you. I recommend you then each select legal counsel to review the Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum of Understanding we create through mediation is not a legal document but will be converted by your attorney into a legal document. (Typically, one of your attorneys will turn it into a legal document, and send it to the other attorney for review and filing.)

What if I cannot be present for a Mediation appointment?

There is no question that face-to- face Mediation is the most beneficial to parties. It is possible to conference by phone if a party is unable to attend a meeting in person. Both parties have to agree to this arrangement. Additionally, though rare, on-line communication can also be an option.

Can Mediation Work in Hostile Disputes?

Conflict is natural and can be better managed through the Mediation process. A good mediator has experience diffusing anger. Strong emotion can be calmed through the process, guiding both parties to neutral ground where each side is “heard.” By bringing parties together in a respect filled, positive environment, a resolution can be reached without the hurt and slight of past injustices. Mediation will facilitate understanding of both sides to occur. It will allow you to move past your emotions, and instead focus on the future.