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Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose mediation?
You are in charge of the end solution. The mediator guides the process to keep you moving forward, but the decisions that you arrive at and decide upon are created by the parties.
How can I convince my husband/wife to come to mediation?
Have them view my website for the benefits of mediation. If they have questions that they would like to discuss, encourage them to contact me by phone or email. Reassure them that this will not be a finger pointing session. Mediation addresses the issues and looks for a solution that is customized to suit your lifestyle.
After so many years my husband and I have tried everything. Can this even help us?
Mediation looks at the issues and assists in developing the understanding that is required to make the changes to resolve the issues. It does not matter if the issue has been problematic for many years.
Our relationship has suffered a lot emotionally, is there still hope?
If there is willingness from both parties to improve the current situation, mediation can help.
We have attempted everything with our teenager. Can mediation help with our situation?
Yes, in most cases mediation can help. Because mediation is a tool that assists in developing an understanding between parties, parents have the opportunity to express their hopes, fears and concerns.
Mediation allows the teenager to express their point of view, and gain an understanding of each other. Agreements can then be made that will benefit both parties.
My siblings and I haven't talked in years, can you help with our situation?
Sometimes as we grow up, it is unfortunate if someone says or does something that we feel is a strike against us. Mediation can assist in clarifying the intention behind the action and to develop an understanding of the circumstances around the issue. A better can then be achieved.
My siblings are putting a lot of stress on me and they don't even realize it. Can mediation help?
By bringing everyone together and encouraging each person to express their views and concerns, solutions can be created that benefit all parties.
With our parents aging, we seem to fight all the time about their care. Can this help us?
As our parents age, our love for them shows in many different ways. Mediation can bring all parties together to arrive at a solution that is beneficial for all concerned.
Do we have to be pre-approved?
No, you do not need to be pre-approved. The process entails me contacting all the parties to confirm that there is a willingness for mediation.
Where are the meetings held?
The mediation is held in a neutral location. As mediators, we try to find a location that is convenient to the client's location. They can be held in community halls, board rooms, hotel conference rooms, office spaces, etc .
What if we cannot travel into the city? Are there other options?
Yes, there are other options. I will do telephone mediation with both parties on the phone at the same time. The parties can be in the same location or they can be in different locations (conference calls). I can also travel to your location. Webcam mediation will be available in Fall of 2008.
At what age are you too old or too young for mediation?
As long as there is a willingness to communicate in an open and honest environment and the person has the ability to rationalize, then mediation is possible.
Can Mediation be used for more than two people?
Mediation can be used with a minimum of 2 people to as many as it takes to resolve the issue that is causing the situation.
Does mediation really work?
Yes, yes and yes. I have been married for 25 years, raised 3 daughters and faced many of the same challenges that face many couples/families today. We have attended counseling, taken courses and fought our way through, so I know that this is a tool that is invaluable in all family relationships.
Can mediation work if it is only one of us attending?
As much as I would like to say yes, I cannot. Mediation is developing an understanding between parties and creating an agreement that requires input from all involved.
Where is mediation currently being used?
Mediation is currently being used in Family Justice Services, civil courts, community bylaw mediation, disputes between countries, in work place grievances and in many situations where the parties are looking for an agreement that they can all live with.
How long will mediation take?
When you consider mediation as a way to help resolve issues in your life, the length of time in mediation can vary depending on the number of people and the number of issues. On average, each mediation session requires about 2 hours and may take 2 to 4 sessions for a resolution to be attained.
Is mediation cost effective?
Mediation is less costly financially, emotionally and in personal time than litigation. Please contact me to discuss your personal plan.
Accepted methods of payments are: Visa, MasterCard, Debit Card, cheques and cash.
ion is possible. 