A Good Mediator is Sensitive to Imbalances of Power [VIDEO]
A basic requirement of divorce mediation is that the mediator be neutral and impartial. At the same time, the mediator must be attentive to any power imbalances that exist between the parties. Even though a neutral, the mediator will support the person with less power or knowledge so that he or she can participate fully…
Taking the First Step Toward Divorce [VIDEO]
Rarely when I see a couple for our first mediation session do I find they’re “on the same page” regarding the end of their marriage. Often one spouse is ahead of the other in contemplating the prospect of divorce. See how this disparity plays out in the mediation process.
Beware of Well-Intentioned Advice from Friends & Family [VIDEO]
It’s only natural that friends and family will volunteer information as to what happened to them, or other people they know, when they got divorced. The problem is that the advice:
- Is often incorrect and misleading;
What You Should Look For in a Divorce Mediator [VIDEO]
When deciding on a divorce mediator, there are certain qualities you should look for. These include:
- Training
- Experience
- Commitment
- How much time they spend exclusively in mediation
What Are the 2 Essential Requirements for Mediation? [VIDEO]
There are really only 2 key requirements for a successful divorce mediation:
- A willingness of the participants to dialogue, and
- Full disclosure of financial and other relevant information.
Power Imbalances in Divorce Mediation
{2:30 minutes to read} One of the basic requirements of divorce mediation is that the mediator be neutral and impartial. Certainly, this means that the mediator should not be taking sides or favoring either party. But it also means that the mediator may need to be more directive at times to ensure the integrity of the parties’ decision-making.
Why Are Budgets Necessary in Divorce Mediation?
{3 minutes to read} Budget preparation, ugh! I know… even in the best of times, this is not exactly an enjoyable task that people look forward to. Yet, it’s something that is absolutely imperative when a couple is separating or divorcing.
When I first meet with couples, I review the main topics that we will be discussing during the mediation process.
On Seeing Clearly…and New Perspectives
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
– Marcel Proust
{3 minutes to read} Over the past two months, I’ve had cataract surgery on both of my eyes. In the United States and other developed countries, this surgery is quite routine and typically related to the aging process. It is performed on patients when the natural lens of the eye starts to thicken and become cloudy, thus preventing them from seeing clearly. The surgeon replaces the faulty lens with a new artificial lens — and voilà — the patient can see clearly again!
Omni-Partiality and Power Imbalances in Mediation
{2:30 minutes to read} For over a decade I’ve had a practice that focuses exclusively on divorce and family mediation. Much of the training when I first started my practice emphasized the importance of the mediator being neutral and impartial.
The “What-If?” Scenarios
{4 minutes to read} One of the most important functions I can perform for my divorcing clients is to help them work through the various “What If?” scenarios as they make their decisions in mediation. A “What If?” scenario is an exploration of various possible outcomes to a question that has been raised in regard to an important issue. Exploring the options will facilitate reaching the best decision for a couple.
