Offering Customized Solutions for Divorce Mediation, Parenting Plans, and Divorce and Conflict Coaching
Divorce mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that is guided by a neutral mediator. The mediator’s role is not to give legal advice or make decisions, but to facilitate productive dialogue that allows parties to negotiate a mutually satisfying divorce settlement. In divorce mediations, both parties control the scope and the outcomes of their agreements.
If parties do not agree and have to go to court, a judge will impose decisions based solely on legal arguments and the law, which can feel unfair to one, or both parties and cause a break down in the relationship. Mediation offers outcomes that everyone feels are adequately fair.
Mediation improves communication, which is helpful as couples transition from their marriage relationship to separate relationships. Mediators can also support parties should disagreements arise in the future – an especially important consideration when children are involved.
Benefits of
Divorce Mediation
Promotes Financial Well-Being:
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Avoids costly litigation
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Avoids exorbitant legal costs
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Avoids missing work for ongoing court appearances
Promotes General Well-Being:
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Reduces stress
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Non-adversarial process
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Clear agreements provide stability, especially for children
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Control over decisions and outcomes
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Durable, binding solutions
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Improved communication
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Agreements made in timely manner
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Privacy for personal information
Parenting Plans
A mediator can assist parents in creating parenting plans that work with their family’s specific needs. Parenting plans are written agreements that clarify parenting schedules and exchanges, as well as the responsibilities and expectations of co-parenting. Travel, work, relocation, activities, education, children’s health, holidays and religious events, are just some of the unique aspects of a parenting plan that require thoughtful consideration.
Mediation is a process that allows for a respectful and productive discussion that will enable parents to customize and agree on a clear plan forward for their children.
Divorce and
Conflict Coaching
According to the American Bar Association, “Divorce coaching is a flexible, goal-oriented process designed to support, motivate, and guide people going through divorce to help them make the best possible decisions for their future, based on their particular interests, needs, and concerns.”
Divorce coaching can empower clients to gain a better sense of control during an often conflicted and overwhelming divorce process. Coaching helps clients to overcome obstacles that can get in the way of making progress and moving forward. Clients determine what their needs are either before, during or after their divorce and coaching provides the motivation and guidance to achieve the best possible result.
Mediator & Conflict Coach
Shawn M. Hutchens, MDR, CPC
Shawn is an experienced mediator, conflict coach and dispute resolution specialist. She holds a Master’s Degree in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution (MDR), and is a certified professional coach (CPC).
By combining the areas of mediation and conflict coaching, Shawn helps clients through the procedural and emotional challenges of separation and divorce. SMH Mediation & Conflict Coaching exists to provide a confidential platform for creating customized resolutions that meet your family’s unique needs and help you move forward.