>Services > Divorce, Custody and Family Mediation

If you are a divorcing couple or your family is in transition, mediation can help you retain maximum control over decisions concerning your future and that of your children. The core of mediation is your commitment to resolve your issues with mutual respect and to create a joint agreement that is both equitable and ultimately enforceable.

The rewards for using mediation to achieve your family goals are worth considering:

• Your proceedings are confidential. So long as there is no abuse in the picture and all issues are within the confines of the law, all conversations are private.
• You save time and money. Judges calendars are often filled for months in advance and delays and postponements are common. Mediation allows you to schedule your sessions at your own pace, and costs are generally much lower than arbitration or litigation in family court.
• Your agreement is tailored to your needs. Family courts frequently apply general formulas to issues such as child custody and support. In mediation, you and your spouse can name your own terms and agree on enforcement.
• Your chances of successful outcomes are better. When you have an opportunity to negotiate your own decisions, they are generally better decisions. You are more in control of your future and your level of satisfaction is much higher.
• Your children are happier. Parents are the primary role models for their children. Mediation provides children with a concrete example of how to resolve difficult problems, and as a result they are more likely to apply this approach to their own future relationships.

Family mediation gives each family member a sense of empowerment and a stake in the outcome. By mediating a thoughtful and child-oriented parenting plan with obligations and responsibilities clearly stated, you lessen the possibility of parents arguing back and forth over issues such as who will pick up the kids, or whether the amount of child support is appropriate. You can also provide a mechanism to resolve any future differences should they arise.

If mediation is your choice, choose an experienced and trained mediator who offers impartial assistance to all mediating parties. Roberta Eisen is a skilled mediator who has trained many other mediators. You are welcome to call her at 202-822-5229 or email Roberta@RobertaEisen.com to arrange for your initial consultation.