What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which two or more parties voluntarily come together to negotiate areas of conflict.  A mediator assists the parties in this endeavor by fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to effective communication.  The mediation process is designed to give both parties an opportunity to express their viewpoints and to reach a resolution that is fair and reasonable to all.

Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation allows clients to choose an amicable remedy to their disputed issues and maintain control over their own lives.  Parties are given an opportunity to work together for the benefit of their children, to make decisions on behalf of their children, and to resolve issues that cloud their individual and collective abilities to focus on the important task of parenting.

What Types of Issues Can Be Mediated?
The Family Mediation Center offers two types of mediation; a
co-parenting communication program and divorce mediation. 

Parenting Mediation:
Our co-parenting program is tailored to the special needs of parents or intervening parties who have on-going issues with their parenting plan.  Parenting, discipline, and communication issues may be impacting their ability to care for their children effectively and to relate with one another as co-parents. 

Divorce Mediation:
The divorce mediation program is designed for those parties who are involved in a dissolution action and have not resolved issues such as custody, visitation, division of marital assets and liabilities, child support, and alimony.  This program gives couples the opportunity to make joint decisions about the way the divorce will be finalized and, ultimately, how it will impact their lives and/or the lives of their children.

How Long Does Mediation Take and What Costs Are Involved?
The time required for successful mediation varies from client to client.  The length and number of sessions are determined by the individual needs of each case and the progress of negotiation.

Clients of the Family Mediation Center are encouraged to equally share the cost of services.  A set fee is established per session, however, fees may be negotiated according to financial ability.