 |
|
- I can't stand to be in the same room as my Ex. How is this going to work?
On our first meeting, you aren't in the same room as your Ex. We discuss then what to watch out for and how to address it when you are in a room together. And if that can't work, there is the option to do a mediation where when or both of you are on the phone, or in separate rooms*, rather than face-to-face.
*with the mediator "shuttling" between you and your Ex.
- Do you do other kinds of family mediation?
Yes. Just ask.... Some other areas include parent-teen mediation (really enjoy those! seriously), blended family mediation, and more. If its outside my expertise, I will either bring in a co-mediator experienced in that area or refer it out.
- Why don't you practice family mediation in Oregon?
I am focusing my practice on the Washington State and Clark County Court System. My home and office are in Clark County (though I did also complete a 9-month stint with Clackamas family Court Services.
- Do you do other kinds of mediation?
Yes: workplace mediation (and conflict management consulting), government mediation, small claims, neighborhood and landlord-tenant mediation.
- How can you do this if you're not an attorney?
My role is not to replace attorneys, but to complement their work. Attorney's role is to take one side, their client's. My role is to take the side of the child, and help the parents agree on what's in the best interests of their child. While I am well-trained on parenting plans and the dissolution process, I strongly recommend my clients consult an attorney, especially before finalizing agreements and submitting them to court. I do not give legal advice, nor do I submit paperwork to the court.
- What's with this Australia stuff?
Australia is on the leading edge of family mediation worldwide. They implemented mandatory mediation country-wide for separating and separated parents. The work is heavily research-based and focused on the best interests of the child. In some cases, a child psychologist "brings in" the child viewpoint. Their work intrigued me enough to make a personal visit there and meet with a number of the key folks leading this exciting work.
- Isn't Divorce Coaching a conflict of interest with mediation?
It can be if there's multiple meetings with one client, then the other client decides to mediate. In that case, I will likely refer the to another mediator. However if there was just one session with the first client, that's on par with an intake, which also occurs first with one client, then the other. That's the same transition that would be made from Divorce Coaching to mediation. The second client would be informed of the initial session, and mediation would only proceed if the second client is comfortable doing so.
|
Have some questions? Ready to move forward?
|
|
