When parents separate, great changes take place within the family. Issues such as custody, visitation, child support, alimony, and division of property must be resolved. Often, the parents in conflict turn to the court to resolve their disputes.
The court is asked to make important decisions about how the separating family will be re-organized. Usually, this happens after lengthy attorney negotiations or a trial. This process involving lawyers, judges and witnesses in the separation of family can lead to intense stress, hurt feelings, extensive financial expense and traumatized children.
Mediation is an alternate way of addressing the conflicts of separating families. A specially trained and professional mediator joins the parents in a cooperative process to help them develop an agreement that will provide the best care for their children. Mediation helps reduce the stress of the conflict and keeps parents focused on the best interest of children.
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