Posts Tagged ‘mediate’

Bishop Eddie Long & Accusers Reach Resolution

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Georgia megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long and the four young men that filed suit against him for sexual misconduct have successfully reached a settlement through mediation.

The parties agreed to mediate in December of 2010. The initial mediation session was held in February and full resolution was reached within a few months. (more…)

Expectations: How Long Does Mediation Take?

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

About MediationMediation is the most efficient method of conflict resolution for most any conflict. As long as those in dispute, whether individuals or organizations, are willing to participate, a neutral mediator can assist the parties in conflict quickly reach a binding resolution that meets everybody’s needs and wants as much as possible – and one with which everyone is in agreement.

Although there is no absolute number of hours or time frames prescribed for the mediation of specific conflicts, most cases – (more…)

Caring For Our Elders

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Elder CareWith the Holiday season in our midst, our family relations come sharply into focus.  Paying a visit to an elderly relative, or going “home” for the holidays can garner our attention, and often tug at our heartstrings, when we find a loved one who is unable to adequately care for themselves.  Be it dementia, disease, or mere frailty we often are obligated to make decisions on behalf a loved one.  These decisions can be taxing, and if more than one person (more…)

Conflict Resolution Month

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Conflict Resolution Month: What a great idea!  The North Denver Tribune featured an article on September 19, 2010 regarding it being Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado*.  Designated so by the governor and the state legislature, the purpose of Conflict Resolution Month is to alert the state’s citizens about the positive options for managing conflicts and to draw attention to the resources available for dispute resolution.

What a great way to call people’s attention toward the myriad of options they have in taking control of their difficulties and resolve their conflicts in a way that leaves them feeling satisfied with the outcome.  All too often, individuals consider their options when it comes to a dispute as binary: litigate or live with it.  This absolutely does not have to be the case, and Colorado has the right idea in drawing statewide attention to all the options one has to resolve their conflicts.

Be aware of your options.  Of all the forms of alternative dispute resolution, Mediation allows the parties the most hands-on conflict resolution experience.  Mediation brings the parties to the table to get to the core of their disagreements with the assistance of the neutral mediator.  The Mediator does not judge you, nor do they take sides, but rather works with both parties to help them come to a mutually acceptable decision that, through give-and-take, gets all parties to an outcome they desire and feel like they crafted.

While it may only officially be Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado; let their reminder serve to keep you aware of your options when life leads you to conflict – keep in mind the natural resolution choice: Mediation.

*(http://www.northdenvertribune.com/2010/09/celebrate-conflict-resolution-month-in-colorado/)

Woods Gossip Shows Signs of Divorce Mediation?

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

The divorce news of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren provide many examples of the benefits of divorce mediation.

It may be hard to believe, but less than eight months ago the first signs of marital discord between Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren became public. Now it appears that the terms of the divorce are nearly final….significantly less than a year later.

In many ways this case mirrors cases that are resolved through divorce mediation:

  • The dealings have been private and confidential. Unlike the events during that night in November 2009, the marital status and future plans of the couple have been very private.  This is especially surprising due to the “celebrity” nature of  their lives.So often the “celebrity” divorces end up being public displays of hurt and anger. The couple hurl insults at one another through media outlets, while the public tunes in for their daily dose of divorce drama. Divorce mediation, as opposed to litigation, ensures a private process – both for celebrities and the rest of us. Couples who choose divorce mediation as their form of reaching a divorce settlement (and planning for the continued parenting of their children), sign a confidentiality agreement. In the event that the couple is unable to reach an agreement, nothing learned in divorce mediation can be used in a litigation case.
  • An extremely efficient and speedy process. The process of reaching a settlement through the traditional litigated divorce process is known as being a long drawn out process – in fact, it is during this process is where most of the legal fees are accrued. Tiger and Elin have assets that most of us can only dream of, as well as two young children who they will both continue to parent.However, despite the complexity of the issues involved, they appear to have reached an agreement within months. This is similar to mediation in efficiency of the process.Couples who mediate engage in a process of trust that includes open disclosure. This allows couples to build on the areas of agreement – no matter how small – to create larger settlements. As a result, the settlement and co-parenting plan is created in a matter of hours. It is not unreasonable to assume that the a divorce mediation process participated in by Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, would have resulted in a comprehensive agreement in hours.

Divorce is seldom the desired outcome of a marriage – but it does not need to be a tragedy. Nor does the divorce process need to compound the emotional issues and stress related to the split.

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren did not enter into their relationship with divorce as the desired outcome, and certainly the speculation and attention paid to every detail of their actions and plans does not make this easier.

Regardless as a couple and parents, at least in appearance, they exemplify a dignified and reasonable couple going through a divorce: an option for all couples who choose the peaceful positive approach of a mediated resolution.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Mediation is a method of resolving disputes in which individuals or groups in conflict meet with a neutral person who assists them reach an agreement that resolves the dispute

The mediator does not judge, determine merit, or favor one side over the other. Instead they participate as a neutral, (more…)

What is Divorce Mediation?

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Mediation is a method of resolving disputes in which individuals or groups in conflict meet with a neutral person who assists them reach an agreement that resolves the dispute.  The mediator does not judge, determine merit, or favor one side over the other.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation is an ideal means of resolution for most couples that are divorcing – even those couples that agree about very little.  CFR Mediation builds on the tiniest of agreements, assisting the couple in creating a plan that works for their unique situation.

After the divorce or breakup, some couples are able to end their relationship completely.  However, couples with children are going to have to maintain a somewhat close relationship for years.  Mediation allows parents to create a plan for co-parenting that is uniquely tailored to their children and parenting relationship.

Some important aspects of CFR Mediation:

  • Mediation is voluntary. Those who participate must choose to participate.  As a result either party can end mediation at any time.  In other words – All parties must agree to participate before mediation can even begin.
  • Mediator is a neutral participant in process. The CFR mediator does not judge, advise, cajole, or make a decision as to what either party should agree to.
  • Clients are in control of the resolution/agreement. The parties agree to the resolution of the dispute. No one comes out of mediation with an order to do something they have not agreed to.
  • Agreements reached in mediation are as legally binding as any contract. In addition, since the agreements are reached with the full cooperation and involvement of the parties, adherence is greater than judgments rendered through the litigation process.
  • Facilitated communication. Often those who come to mediation are absolutely unable to discuss the conflict calmly.  The presence of a CFR Mediator mitigates the communication difficulties, and actively guides the parties towards a cooperative solution.
  • Mediation is cost-effective. Mediation tends to be significantly less expensive than litigation.  When people chose to resolve disputes – including settling the terms of their divorce – through attorneys, the fees almost always are higher and the process significantly longer than if those to mediate.  What can take 6 to 10 hours of mediation can take ten times that amount in billable time for attorneys – a savings of tens of 1000s of dollars for couples.

For many couples, the reason to choose mediation is cost savings.

A divorce settlement worked out through attorneys can easily cost couples $25,000 (2 attorneys x reviewing documents x client meetings x settlement conferences x settlement writing x hourly fee)

In addition to cost savings, couples who choose to mediate their divorce settlement and parenting plan, end up with decreased levels of stress and significantly higher levels of satisfaction – both in the process and result.

CFR Mediation Cost

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Mediation CostsAs a rule, CFR sells its mediation services through packaged rates as opposed to hourly. There is a very good reason for this.

Most often in mediation, individuals are making decisions that will have a direct and very real affect on their lives and futures. Decisions such as these should be made with care – not with the sound of a ticking clock.

We want our clients to feel in control of the process – not that the other way around. Our packages are based on ensuring that the usual amount of time required for resolution is available. Resolving a divorce, custody, business, or workplace dispute is not a contest in speed – the decisions being made are binding and should not be hurried.

By packaging our services the way we do, participants get to focus on resolution not the clock.

Mediation is not inexpensive, but is far more affordable than litigation. The decisions that you make are lasting and should be made with care. This should be a one-time process fully addressing the issues. Resolving conflict is difficult enough, focusing on saving costs is often a detrimental distraction feeding on the emotion of the process.

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Additional Reading:

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Contact a CFR Mediation Coordinator for a free no-obligation consultation.