It has been my experience that relationships never really
end... they only change form. Memories and children connect
you to a shared past. The decision to no longer live as a couple
or a family means that the past relationship will have to
be restructured. No small task. But with proper assistance it is
not as difficult as some would have you believe. Couples
facing divorce have the choice of doing this in an environment of
mutual respect and honesty, or in an environment of distrust and
hostility. I believe that most sensible people would choose the
former. I also think that people don't lose their common sense just
because they become involved in a separation or divorce.
The mediation process respects that the parties have the solutions
to their particular situations within themselves; and that they
(and only they) can make the best decisions about their lives. I have
found that in mediation, conflict can be an opportunity for the
couple to learn more about themselves as they go about the job of
creating their own customized agreement that will work for
them today and in the future.
SUMMARY OF THE BENEFITS
OF MEDIATION
1. Takes less time, so you can move ahead more
quickly with your lives.
2. Costs less in both dollars and emotion.
3. Allows you to control the decisions that will
affect your lives.
4. Benefits the children by reducing conflict.
5. Avoids public disclosure of financial and other
personal matters because it is confidential.
6. Promotes communication, trust, and cooperation.
7. You make the decisions, and therefore retain control
of the outcome.
8. Agreements you make are more likely to stand
the test of time.
9. Provides a more informal, convenient and
comfortable environment for civilized discussion.
And even more important, it's a "safe" environment.
10. Children are better able to adjust to the divorce
due to their parents working cooperatively.