Mediation Resources

Above all, LISTEN WITH CURIOSITY to LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

It’s listening to understand rather than listening to win.

For MEDIATION, LISTEN with CURIOSITY and LISTEN to UNDERSTAND:

USE “I-STATEMENTS” to SPEAK FROM YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE.              “I-statements” reveal our individual perspectives. Speaking clearly for and about yourself makes your message easier for others to hear.

SHOW RESPECT by taking turns, avoiding visible or audible signs of disrespect, such as eye rolls or sighs. Try using “OUCH” rather than interrupting the speaker.  Take notes as needed to capture ideas as they emerge.  To say “OUCH” means that something strikes you as hurtful or needing a response.  You will get your turn to speak and share your perspective.

SHARE THE AIRTIME – Step in / step out as needed so everyone has a voice.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE YOU WOULD LIKE TO CREATE.  Ask questions respectfully and listen carefully to the answers.

AVOID BLAME OR ACCUSATIONS ABOUT PAST CONDUCT.  Once we are in an angry, defensive mode, thinking stops and emotional reactivity kicks in.  We may need to take a break before we can make any further progress toward our mutual goals.

 MEDIATION MINDSET.  Use a “MEDIATION MINDSET” to listen with curiosity and approach problem-solving with a desire to create WIN – WIN situations wherever possible.

IN MEDIATION, YOU HAVE THE POWER:

1. To make the decisions about what is best for you and your children or family. 2. To decide how much attorney time you need, (if any).                                                 3. To manage the financial and personal costs of divorce or other family conflict.

AS NEEDED:

Use calming techniques, such as pauses / silence, deep breaths, or breaks.           Use “ouch” as needed – an “ouch” is not an interruption.

www.GeorgiaDaniels.com

CONVERSATIONS in ONLINE MEDIATION                                                              Georgia Daniels, J.D., Mediator

Each Family Is Different

For Online Mediation, each family is different. Each party brings different gifts to a marriage or family relationship.   If you are divorcing, you will be unique in what you hope for as you move toward a separate life.  For elder/adult family mediations, your goal may be restoration of family harmony.  I work differently with each family, according to your stated needs and the issues that must be resolved. Over the past 20 years, I have learned (and I keep learning) techniques and processes to improve your experience with online divorce mediation and family mediation online.

Choosing Mutual Respect

I believe that what we say matters. What we do matters. How we treat each other matters. Respect is the cornerstone of this process: respect for yourself and respect for the processes we will follow together. I hope that you will join me in choosing to respect our common humanity, even when it is not easy.

Joint Sessions and Individual Sessions

For divorce mediation, most sessions are joint sessions. However, it is immensely helpful to have individual sessions with each spouse at or near the beginning. This is a time to learn more about your individual perspectives, your values, and your hopes. Toward the end of the mediation process, individual sessions will confirm that we are really done and that your agreement is truly complete.

For online family mediation with two or more participants, the processes are similar. The goals may be different: restoring family harmony, or resolving a specific family issue.

The Conversational Dance

Sometimes, potential clients ask me to describe the process that I would use for a specific issue. Since each family is different, the sessions build on each other. There is no one-size-fits-all process.  Our work together will inform my preparations for each conversation as we Continue reading “CONVERSATIONS in ONLINE MEDIATION”

In mediation, we focus on solving the real-world problems of your divorce.  For most families, this means learning to co-parent.  Because co-parenting is a learned skill that requires good communication, it makes sense to use all of the available tools.      https://www.georgiadaniels.com/divorce-services/

Divorce can be a stressful time.  It is easy to make mistakes when speaking or texting with your co-parent.  There are apps that can help you to communicate well.  These apps will help you to be brief and be clear.  In other words, these apps support good co-parenting.

These are three apps that my mediation clients mention most frequently:

TalkingParents.com – Talking Parents is free to sign up. Upgrades add features, including a calendar, child-related expense records, and other communication tools.  http://TalkingParents.com

2Houses.com – 2Houses offers a 14-day free trial and tons of features. One annual subscription covers the entire family, including grandparents.  http://2houses.com

OurFamilyWizard.com – OurFamilyWizard is a comprehensive system for divorcing parents.  It provides a variety of options. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. The “Tone Meter” helps you avoid texts likely to cause mis-communications.  http://ourfamilywizard.com

In conclusion, these apps can help you to communicate well with your soon-to-be ex.  Better communication will make your divorce mediation go more smoothly.  There may be other apps that also work well. Therefore, why don’t you experiment and find out for yourselves which app works best for you? Let me know if you have a favorite that is not on this list!

USE A LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANT TO SAVE MONEY IN DIVORCE MEDIATION – Los Angeles County

What is an LDA?

Using a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) for your mediated divorce can save you money. An LDA registers with the county clerk to provide self-help documents at the client’s request.  I am  a mediator and an LDA, registered in Los Angeles County.  When you hire me as your LDA, you don’t have to go to court. You pay less for uncontested divorce documents than you would pay for a paralegal in typical law office to prepare, file, and serve the same papers.

What if You Need Legal Advice?

Please note that I am not a California attorney.  I cannot provide legal advice.  What can I do?  I can save you from one of the less-pleasant parts of a divorce:  completing and filing the divorce paperwork.  This saves you from many kinds of pesky details.  If needed, I can point you toward a vast amount of public information relevant to your situation.  You can use this information for problem-solving in direct negotiations or in mediation.  Upon request, I will refer you to family law attorneys for advice on specific legal issues.  Then, you can return and continue your self-representation.

How Does It Work for an Uncontested Divorce?

When you engage me to prepare your divorce documents, you provide the necessary information and I take care of the drudgery.  The end goal is usually an “uncontested” divorce, based on mediation and/or negotiation.  I prepare the necessary documents for your signature (“In Pro Per”) to open your court file and, eventually, to obtain your divorce judgment.  You avoid hours of waiting in court lines, and the heartbreak of finding out, months later, that documents you prepared on your own, without assistance, were deficient and must be re-done.

How Much Does It Cost?

How much will you save?  Paralegals in law offices often charge $1,500 or more for an uncontested “In Pro Per” divorce.  I charge $900 if there are no minor children and $1,050 if there are minor children.  My clients are individuals or couples who intend to work things out, either by mediating with a spouse or negotiating directly with a spouse.  If this sounds like you, please give me a call.  626-441-1900 or 909-414-2721.

PLEASE NOTE:  I am a Legal Document Assistant;  I am not a California lawyer.  If you need legal advice, go to a California attorney.  Legal information is available here, but not legal advice.  I prepare documents at your direction.  Georgia L. Daniels, L.D.A. registered with the Los Angeles County Clerk, #2019060255.  272 South Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. 626-441-1900 or 909-414-2721.