Mediation and Support Networks – Why You Need Both of Them

Recently I read an article from the UK about a “divorce fair”  being held in Brighton which brought together service providers for divorcing couples from all backgrounds: attorneys, private investigators, psychics (yes, you read that correctly) and financial planners.  The idea was to give those going through a divorce a place to come to and find individuals and services that could help them through the tough times.  The event organizer stated it was much like a bridal show in which wedding service providers come together to promote their services and felt that given Britain’s high divorce rate, a show like this was necessary.

After I read this I got to thinking about divorce mediation and how as a NJ divorce mediator I already do much of what this divorce fair was trying to accomplish: put couples going through divorce or mediation in touch with other professionals that can help them in their time of need.  The only main difference I found in what the fair offered and what Equitable Mediation Services offers is that the fair was focused on those who were contemplating divorce where as we focus on clients who have already made the decision to divorce.

You see when you use our mediation services, not only are you getting an experienced professional mediator but also an entire network of dedicated professional who can help you in this time of need.  While everyone’s situation is unique, many couples who come to us do fall along the same lines in terms of what they’re experiencing and the type of support they might need. To me it breaks down into two types: during mediation support and post-mediation support.

During mediation support can be a number of different things such as financial counseling for a spouse that hasn’t had much to do with the finances during the marriage and will now need to know what to do in order to manage their household, emotional counseling for those individuals who are either having a hard time accepting the divorce or are angry and need to work through those emotions with the help of a professional and legal counseling such as discussing complex legal matters with attorneys who are mediation friendly and care about your particular situation.

Post-mediation support can include the same items as above as well as things such as parenting coordination to help divorced couples properly follow their parenting plans agreed to during mediation as well as housing assistance with local real estate agents who know your market and understand the special needs of divorced individuals.  Most divorcing couples underestimate their need for support during and after the divorce mediation process but that’s what we’re here for.

Besides helping you settle the issues surrounding your divorce, we view it as our job to make sure you get through your divorce peacefully, efficiently and with as little impact to you and your family as possible so we take the extra time to make sure you’re OK.  I know that does sound silly but really at the end of the day, we can’t change your circumstances but we can make sure you fare as well as possible moving forward by providing you the support you need in these tough times.  And even after our session are over and the divorce decree has been finalized, we always encourage our clients to stay in touch should they need anything else.

How many lawyers can say that?  Not many that I know of.

If you have any questions about the benefits of mediation or would like to speak to someone about your particular situation, please feel free to contact us to set up a free, no-obligation consultation in one of our six central New Jersey office locations where we’d be happy to explain to you about divorce mediation and how it can work in your particular situation.  Or if you’re simply not ready, feel free to visit the Equitable Mediation Services website where you will lots of great information to help you prepare for what’s ahead and call us when you’re ready.