Mediation is a process by which parties in conflict come together to resolve disputes and negotiate mutually acceptable agreements with the assistance of an impartial mediator facilitating the discussion and negotiations. The mediator does not make decisions and any agreement reached is voluntarily decided by the participants.
Family Mediation:
- Promotes decision-making by the participants, not third parties
- Seeks to minimize the time, costs, and emotional impacts too often seen with the traditional court process
- Promotes a resolution that meets each unique family’s goals
- Is based on the participants' schedules, not a schedule imposed by a court
- Is a confidential and informal process
- Facilitates communication between the participants
- Puts children first
- Strives for financial and parenting decisions that meet the needs of everyone involved