Blog Posts in October, 2010

Understanding CONFLICT PATTERNS and WHY TO MEDIATE

One reason why people become "stuck" is that they develop patterns of dealing with conflict, over time, with their spouses, domestic partners, employers, children, inlaws, and just about everybody ...
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DO WE NEED MEDIATION If My Spouse and I Know Exactly What We Want to Do?

Q. So I am wondering - why would we need mediation if my wife and I already know and are agreed about how to divide our stuff? I am thinking we should have a cheap divorce. A. You may not need ...
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Mediation As the First Choice for SAME-SEX Couples

We believe that mediation serves same sex couples particularly well. It doesn't matter whether you are a domestic partner or one of the 14,000 couples that married during the window that existed from ...
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How Confidential is "CONFIDENTIAL" MEDIATION?

Q. One of reasons why I am considering mediation is that that I've heard it is confidential. It is really important to me and my family that our personal matters not become public. How confidential is ...
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ABA Standards - "ENTERING MEDIATION"

The 2000 American Bar Association Model Standards for Mediation, and indeed the standards for all family law mediation, are based upon the principle of "informed consent." While once known as a ...
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American Bar Association Model Standards - CHOOSING A MEDIATOR

The American Bar Association's Model Standards (2000) define mediation and affirm its importance and core values that can help guide consumers in choosing their mediator. At DFMS we subscribe to these ...
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Why We Won't TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE When You INITIALLY CALL

The question of mediators talking to one party in the absence of the other can come up in a variety of contexts. This Blog discusses initial contacts from one party, often when they are simply seeking ...
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