By Larry Gaughan | Even during divorce, perhaps the best way to describe our paths through life is that we are each on a spiritual journey. Mediators can help people refocus on their new spiritual journeys through the material world of present family finances and future security.
By Larry Gaughan | Many retired judges call the process they use mediation, but a good look at what they do shows that it has almost all of the characteristics of the adversarial litigation system. One basic principle of every set of mediator ethics is that mediation not be coercive. When there are very long meetings (sometimes past midnight), often with a trial date close at hand,
By Lenard Marlow | Mediators need to make sure that they are not giving legal advice, holding themselves out as lawyers, or practicing law in any manner. Some nevertheless say that it is OK for mediators who are not lawyers to write divorce settlement agreements.
By Lenard Marlow | For family mediation to become recognized as a profession, one path is certification. But should that be rooted in law, in mental health work, or elsewhere?
By Virginia Colin | Many ways to divorce: kitchen table, mediation, neutral case evaluation, counseling, collaborative law, attorney negotiations, going to trial — Choose wisely.
