I’m very proud to be a part of a nimble profession who is able to adjust during these unprecedented times. I have been conducting meditations online via Zoom and GoToMeeting for family law disputes (including child issues and divorce matters). I took it up a notch in the month of May and completed a 20 hour training via Mediate.com. Rincker …
Boy, life has changed in the last month. A client told me that it happened like an avalanche and I could not agree more. I have been conducting meditations via Zoom and GoToMeeting and it has been working great. I have also been referring clients to virtual/online and they have had nice experiences so far. Pandemics force us to change …
Not only am I on the mediation roster for the Sixth Circuit (including Champaign and Douglas Counties) and the Fourth Circuit (including Shelby County) but I am now on the roster for the Fifth Circuit which includes Coles County, Vermilion County and Edgar County. I’m very passionate about using mediation to help navigate child related issues. I’m also a mediator …
The mediator should begin the mediation session with laying a few ground rules. Here are some examples: 1. Explaining his/her role in the process 2. Reminding everyone about confidentiality and how the information used in the mediation is for “settlement purposes” and cannot be used in court 3. Depending on preference, asking the parties to put cellphones on silent or …
Initial Contact. Typically, one person calls the mediator at first and requests a telephonic or in-person consultation. If the initial consultation is given to only one party, then in efforts to stay neutral, private time with the mediator is also offered to the other person. Some mediators choose to charge for the initial consultation. Confidentiality Agreement. During this stage, …
So what’s this mediation thing all about? Well, here are a few of its core values — i.e., what we mediators hold near and dear to our meditation hearts. Self-Determination – The basic tenant of mediation is that both parties have the autonomy and feel empowered to make the decisions instead of giving up that power to a neutral third …
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
When I talk to folks about what mediation is, sometimes is easiest to explain what it is NOT first. I’m going to compare mediation to other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Litigation – Although mediation can be used in disputes between parties who are involved in litigation, the mediator is not acting like a judge, making a decision. Unlike trial, …
I’m happy to announce that I was selected to be in the roster of family law mediators for the Sixth Circuit in Illinois. Specifically, I will be mediating custody and visitation issues (i.e., the allocation of parental responsibilities). The Sixth Circuit includes the following 7 Counties: Macon County, Piatt County, Champaign County, Dewitt County, Douglas County and Moultrie County. I’m …
I will be speaking tomorrow at the crack of down tomorrow morning to the CU Sunrise Rotary Club on mediation. For those of you who are in Central Illinois, I would the support! The presentation is at 6:45am and coffee (and breakfast!) will be provided. Here are my materials for the presentation on mediation available on my JD Supra page …
It is important to choose the right mediator for you and your particular dispute. Mediators vary in experience, language proficiency, subject matter expertise, style, fees, communication, and level of involvement. For example, some mediators are able to speak fluently in different languages or have knowledge in certain family law disputes (e.g., animal ownership disputes). Some mediators do “virtual mediation” while others …
Initial Consultation It is recommended that parties considering a mediation first have an initial consultation with the mediator. This initial consultation can be via the telephone or in-person. The parties may choose to have the initial consultation together or separately. During this stage, the mediator oftentimes will have the parties sign a confidentiality agreement, explaining that everything stated during the …