Family Mediation Services | Upstate Mediation Center

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What family mediation is

Family Mediation applies the basic principles of mediation to the resolution of issues that arise in families. It is non-adversarial. A trained family law mediator promotes discussion and negotiation that allows the participants involved in a conflict or a dispute the opportunity to exchange divergent views, ask questions, discuss difficult topics and find solutions. A family mediator is a neutral third party who assists the participants in exploring and finding mutually acceptable solutions. Family mediation can result in sound decision-making, reconciliation of divergent views, clearing the air, lessening resentment, greater understanding, improved communication, and better family relationships.

Benefits to choosing family mediation

Restore family stability

Getting divorced and/or dealing with custody and visitation issues outside of marriage, or post-divorce, can be both emotionally exhausting and financially devastating for families. Mediation is a process that can usually resolve these issues much sooner than litigation, thus restoring family stability.

Control the outcome

One of the greatest advantages of resolving family issues in mediation is that the parties control the outcome, meaning that any results are the product of an agreement rather than having a judge decide.

Cooperate as co-parents

In mediation, parents are not forced to take harsh public positions against each other, and the possibility for co-parenting in a cooperative manner following the divorce is enhanced as a result.

Address each party's concerns

Family Mediation allows parents to structure individualized agreements addressing each parent’s specific concerns and the particular needs of their children.

Save time and money

The potential for the family to save a significant amount of money is an additional benefit of choosing mediation. Not only are the attorney fees typically less, the amount of time that will be spent mediating rather than litigating the issues is also usually significantly less.

Issues that can be mediated

All issues that would be considered in Family Court can be addressed voluntarily in family mediation.

The Mediators Role

A mediator facilitates discussion of issues but does not make decisions. In divorce mediation, the mediator will have a general understanding of the history and breakdown of the relationship, but will not address questions of fault. The mediator will focus discussion on planning for the future and will try to identify common interests of the parties. With the mediator, parents discuss various options and decide what plans will be best for their children and for them as parents. Family mediators guide the parties by suggesting possible solutions and options to address various issues through brainstorming, mediator experience, and attentive listening by the mediator. Realistic solutions are proposed and considered.

Attorney's role in mediation

You are welcome to bring your lawyer to mediation, if you want to, or you can use your lawyer as an advisor before and after a session. That’s completely up to you. Lawyers who understand and support mediation can help mediating spouses in several ways: by informing them of their legal rights and options, by coaching them through the negotiations, by coming up with creative settlement ideas, and by preparing the necessary divorce paperwork once an agreement is signed.

Reaching an Agreement

If issues are agreed upon:

If no agreement is reached:

In both cases:

What family mediation is not

Family law mediation is not psychotherapy, marital counseling, or legal representation. Mediators with backgrounds in law or mental health (or other areas) do not represent or counsel mediation clients during the family mediation process, but rather serve as neutral facilitators of the decision-making process.

Request a Mediation

Please request your court mandated (Family Court or Court of Common Pleas) mediation below.
Our team will be in contact regarding scheduling finalization and details. Mediation is not scheduled until confirmed by the Mediation Coordinator, Zoey Klein.

Family Mediation