Divorce Mediation
Divorce is hard.
There is misery in being stuck in conflict, as well as uncertainty in wondering if you will ever get unstuck. There is also worry: about the kids, about money and budgeting, about where you will live, about whether life will ever be good again. And on and on.
Choosing how to resolve these issues with your soon-to-be-ex may be the most important decision you make as begin this next stage of your life. Do you want to duke it out in court or to try to work through your conflicts in a series of civil and calm conversations?
I am trained to listen, and to help you move through the decisions that divorcing requires. Decisions such as where to live, parenting schedules, budgeting and a fair division of assets and debts. I don’t take sides, but I do work to help keep the conversation civil, the playing field level, and the process moving forward.
I meet people where they are. Then I help them to move.
Co-Mediation
I use a unique model of mediation to mediate divorces, separations, interpersonal conflicts and parenting agreements. I co-mediate with John Duda, M.F.T., an individuals and couples therapist. We bring to the mediation our differing worldviews, education, training and experience.
The benefit of having an attorney and an individuals and couples therapist working together as co-mediators is that both the psychological and legal dimensions of the issues are addressed in a very comprehensive way. This improves the efficiency of the mediation process and facilitates communication by the parties. In addition, having a female lawyer and a male therapist may increase the comfort level of the clients, as the mediation feels more balanced to traditional couples.
We have three convenient locations for divorce mediation: San Francisco, Burlingame and Menlo Park.
Advantages to Mediation
- Confidentiality.
Mediation sessions are confidential. - Control.
The parties retain control of the process. The outcome is not handed over to a stranger (judge). - Realism.
The parties can work out an agreement, with terms that can realistically be met.
- Savings.
The parties may save legal fees and time. - Convenience.
The parties schedule mediation sessions at mutually agreeable times. - Less acrimony.
Mediation is more cooperative and collaborative.
- Less Stress on Children.
Parental conflict stresses children. The parties can knit together an ongoing parenting relationship that will benefit their children. - It works!
Mediation works because the parties themselves have fashioned the Settlement Agreement and they therefore commit to stand by it.
