What Makes a Good Divorce Mediator – Part I

Recently we at Equitable Mediation Services had the pleasure of attending a presentation on improving mediation quality.  And while this presentation was more about civil mediation than about divorce mediation, there were many interesting points we were able to take away about what parties in mediation look for in a mediator.  This reinforced why we feel our approach is outstanding to those of other mediators and why it’s perfectly suited to help couples resolve their divorce efficiently and peacefully.

The presentation covered four main areas:

1. Preparation
2. Customization
3. Analytical Assistance
4. Persistence

Over the next four postings, I’d like to take some time and outline what we at Equitable Mediation Services do in each of these four areas that makes our services superior to those of other mediators.  In this installment, we’ll be focusing on preparation.

The study suggested that mediation clients are looking for their mediator to do three things when it comes to preparation:

1. Review documentation prior to the mediation session
2. Have input into the process
3. To have a command of the subject matter area

How do we approach each of these areas?

First with regard to document review, we feel that through our free, no obligation consultation we spend time getting to know you and the specific issues surrounding your situation as we understand each divorce is unique. In addition, during our initial consultation, we will provide you each with a folder containing a new client intake form which requests all of the pertinent information surrounding your relationship as well as a checklist of documentation we will require during the mediation.   Each of these documents are thoroughly reviewed prior to our sessions so that we may “hit the ground running” and cover the issues surrounding your divorce efficiently.  There is nothing worse in our opinion than someone learning about you as they go, asking questions you have already provided the answers to.  We also provide during the course of mediation extensive support in the areas of preparation such as worksheets, copies of guidelines and laws as well as maintaining an open e-mail and phone policy for questions you might have. We feel the interactions we have in addition to the information we can help you gather allows us to know you better and be better prepared to assist you.

Second is our mediation session structure.  We do have a distinct approach we take when conducting a divorce mediation session but are also trained to recognize that when going down one path, if no progress is being made, to circle back and head down another.  We understand that sometimes an individual needs time to absorb a particular facet of the process or to reflect on a decision that needs to be made.  We do not hold ourselves strictly to the process as we understand each clients needs are unique and some individuals may not wish to proceed with a certain subject at a particular point in time.

As far as command of the subject matter goes, with my extensive mediation training as well as having graduated first in my class with a Masters degree in Finance, I feel my background is perfectly suited to handle the complex issues surrounding divorce.  Second to the purchase of a home, a divorce is the largest financial transaction a couple will undertake in their time together.  This requires someone with the knowledge and expertise in the areas of financial and legal matters and my extensive studies allow me to guide you both with confidence that our settlements are fair, equitable and within the scope of the law.

I invite you take to some time to read my bio and get to know a little bit more about me and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me to learn how I may help you with your divorce divorce and mediation.  In part two of this article, we’ll address the issues surrounding customization and how we at Equitable Mediation Services tailor our processes to your unique needs.