Divorce Mediation is typically conducted by one professional—the mediator. In a family matter like separation and divorce, the mediator is tasked with guiding couples toward agreement regarding a range of issues including division of property to terms of child custody and visitation. While experienced mediators can address these issues and more, the option of Divorce Co-Mediation is one that deserves consideration.
In Divorce Co-Mediation, two mediators work together with the separating couple to address the issues presented according to the mediators’ areas of expertise. Co-mediators come from a variety of professions including financial neutrals, attorneys, and mental health practitioners. For example, division of marital property may fall to an attorney mediator whereas questions pertaining to visitation with minor children can be addressed by a therapist or child specialist mediator. Note that although co-mediators are sometimes described by their respective professions, in co-mediation each only acts as a mediator just as he or she would in a single mediation model. In other words, just as an attorney does not provide legal advice in mediation, a therapist or child specialist similarly does not provide therapy in the mediation context. The value of co-mediation, however, is in the focus each professional brings to the issues. For example, a therapist-mediator may raise questions such as how new partners should be introduced to children post-divorce. Likewise, the attorney-mediator will likely ensure that legal issues, such as alimony, are identified and addressed. The value of this inter-disciplinary approach is actually quite simple: Family matters are complex, and bringing professionals together with specific expertise can help to ensure that family matters are resolved in an efficient and accurate manner.
At Ingram and Hall we are pleased to offer co-mediation as part of our commitment toward finding creative solutions in family law. Call us today at (301) 658-7354 or email info@ingramhallfamilylaw.com to learn more.
