Family mediation services are designed to help families in a variety of situations resolve disagreements, repair relationships, and begin the process of moving forward. Family mediators use a collaborative approach to encourage open communication and problem-solving strategies rather than focusing on the problems of the past.
Whether you’re experiencing a disagreement about financial arrangements following separation, parenting issues, or the breakdown of a marriage, a trained professional can help you find solutions that are right for your family. Mediation is less costly and more flexible than going to court.
In most cases, you’ll meet with a mediator for an initial consultation. This meeting is known as a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). A MIAM will help you decide if mediation is an effective alternative to going to court.
A New York Family Mediators will facilitate an open discussion about your situation. They’ll listen to all sides of the argument and explain the pros and cons of each option. They may also offer suggestions for compromise or propose ways to solve your problem.
In some states, family mediators can also assist with custody disputes. Custody mediation can be helpful in determining visitation schedules, child support, alimony, the division of assets and debt, estate planning, inheritance issues, and other related family matters. While it’s not always possible to reach a full agreement, many families choose to use mediation as a first step before going to trial. A negotiated agreement will be enforceable in court by using proper eviction procedures.