When I first moved home from New York City, I instantly investigated mediation training programs in Illinois. I have a mediator heart and wanted to ensure I had the requisite training to be approved on the various court rosters. However, I live in Champaign, Illinois and the closest mediation training that I could find was in Chicago. I’m a single girl …
I have noted for years my ability to conduct meditations “virtually” via GoToMeeting or Skype. I’ve been speaking to clients via GoToMeeting but I can also conduct meditations using this technology. Of course, it is more productive to meet in person but a lot can still be accomplished by having these conversations “virtually.” For family law matters, I mediate both …
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 …
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 …