For any Family Mediation to be successful, parties must arrive with an honest and sincere wish to reach a resolution that is workable and fair to all. Being prepared to listen, be flexible, and remaining open-minded to new ideas and solutions, is integral to pursue resolutions that meet as many mutual interests as possible.
Mediation may not be appropriate when there is a history of or ongoing domestic violence, and in
circumstances where a severe power imbalance exists, such as in financial dependence. If you are
uncertain if your conflict is suitable for Mediation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
Via Mediation, divorcing, and separating spouses, whether common law, married, or unmarried, can
resolve a wide range of disputes and collaboratively work out personalized, mutually acceptable terms. The process can address ongoing arrangements for the control, care, and parenting of children; obligations to support the dependent spouses and children; ownership of a principal home and other properties; care of pets; division of property and any other specialized terms.
Instead of returning to court, spouses who already have a separation agreement or Court Order may consider Mediation to vary specific established provisions.
Mediation can also facilitate the terms of Marriage Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements.
PARENT and TEENS
Facilitated by a neutral, unbiased party, Mediation can be an incredibly valuable resource in successfully resolving conflicts between adolescents and parents. Addiction, inability to communicate respectfully, mutual respect, adjusting to a step-parent, and following house rules, are a few examples of conflicts that may benefit from Mediation.
It is always the goal to be proactive about conflict resolution. Parents wishing to develop these skills with their children are highly encouraged to contact ASM for educational resources. While it can be difficult to simulate conflict, establishing a foundation of how to address and communicate during conflicts can help lead to successful resolution in the future, without the support of a Mediator.
ESTATE & WILL
The loss of a loved one impacts us in different ways. Navigating grief can be a challenge, especially when disputes arise between family members and benefactors of an estate. Mediation can provide a productive environment to enable an agreement on the dispersal of a will, or in the absence of a will, in a way that respects all parties, without further damaging family relationships.
Mediation may also be appropriate to resolve situations when a civil law-suit for monetary damages or other benefits exist between family members.
INTERACTIVE WILL
The best way to prevent any family disputes over the contents of your will, and ensure that your benefactors interpret it in the way you intend, is through an Interactive Will. During an Interactive Will, you invite all individuals named and impacted by your will to hear directly from you. By facilitating a dialogue of difficult topics surrounding death, this process creates an opportunity to address questions. Based on responses, you can then make clarifications and adjustments to your will and ensure your wishes are understood. Most importantly, at the end of the Interactive Will process, all are committed not to dispute the will when the time comes to execute it. Addressing any potential conflicts allows your family to focus on supporting each
other.
A lawyer may or may not be present during the Interactive Will; however, the writing of the final will does involve legal certification.