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Resolving Parenting Disputes in Mediation: Three Families Consider the Options

In our last post, we discussed the documented benefits of child-focused mediation and child-inclusive mediation in divorce. In our next few posts, we will present the stories of three divorcing couples, each of whom decides to approach their parenting disputes in different ways. These families are fictional, but their stories are derived from various real life scenarios. One family will go through a court process, one will go through mediation with a child-focused approach, and the third will go through child-inclusive mediation. Read more

Divorce Mediation Up Close and Personal: Part IX – Derek and Stacey Recap

Business meeting in an officeSince the beginning of 2015, we have been following one couple, Derek and Stacey, through the divorce mediation process. As the year comes to a close, they are wrapping things up. They have worked out a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and will soon receive their final judgment of divorce. Thanks to a positive and productive mediation experience, both Stacey and Derek are satisfied with their settlement terms. They are functioning amicably in their new relationship as single co-parents, their children are thriving, and they are both looking forward to bright new futures. Read more

divorce mediatior

Divorce Mediation up Close and Personal – Derek and Stacey, Part VII

child supportIn Part VI of “Up Close and Personal,” our divorce mediation case study series, we watched Derek and Stacey reach several major decisions regarding distribution of their marital property and debts. As we rejoin them, they are returning to their third mediation session after a break. During the break they reviewed some charts that their mediator, Ms. Smith, made up to illustrate the property division. She asks if they have any questions. Let’s see what happens next… Read more

Divorce Mediation Up Close and Personal: Derek and Stacey Case Study, Part VI

divorce assets

When we last saw Derek and Stacey in installment No. V of our ongoing divorce mediation series, they were in the middle of their third mediation session. They had completed an accounting of their assets and debts and worked out values for both the family home and Derek’s accounting business. They had also reached agreement regarding how to divide the home value into separate and marital property. When they reached a discussion of their debts, however, things became tense. Let’s rejoin them after their 15 minute break, and see if they can reestablish the amicable tone they achieved earlier in the session. Read more

Divorce Mediation up Close and Personal: Derek and Stacey Case Study, Part V

Couple meeting with divorce mediator

In the last installment of our continuing mediation case study series, Derek and Stacey completed their second divorce mediation session. There were a few tense moments, but with the help of their mediator, Ms. Smith, they were able to establish a temporary parenting schedule for their children. They arrive at mediation session number three ready to examine their assets and debts. After this they plan to look at their individual incomes and expenses going forward, and consider the impact of the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines.
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