While all separation and divorce issues are difficult and emotionally charged, mediation is the key to navigating this difficult time with the most positive outcome possible. It is a process that is a non adversarial method of resolving the key components of a separation agreement.
These components are a workable parenting plan, fair division of assets and liabilities, settlement of the matrimonial home and issues of child and spousal support. An agreement that contains settlement of these issues is usually necessary to obtain a divorce. Moving on in your life is dependent on all of these components being settled, Mediation has many benefits.
The benefits of mediation over court based adversarial legal settlements are worth considering if your marriage has ended.
Financial
Cost savings that keep your family financial resources where they belong… in your family.
Conflict Reduction
You reduce conflict and misunderstandings through your direct participation and personal contribution to the agreement.
Preserves Relationships.
Customized agreements will have a higher rate of success through compliance. The controlled atmosphere during the mediation process allows for a mature and non-hostile environment
Custom Design
Separation agreements are focused on your specific circumstances and not generalized. Court based decisions are often concrete and inflexible while mediation is creative and conciliatory in nature.
Mediators are trained professionals that act as neutral, impartial third party facilitators. They control the setting and guide the participants through the issues and presenting options and suggestions that the parties may not have considered. As a mediator and clinical social worker I am able to assist couples with the difficult transition of ending their marriage. It is understandable that there is a lot of pain and heightened emotion at this time and compassion, understanding, and experience is needed to help couples navigate this process. I am also able to provide this, as well as after care and coaching to move forward if required.
I have been a clinical social worker and mediator for more than thirteen years. I can be contacted through my website www.patricia-smith.ca, or www.abcmediatio.ca
