What Do Others Think?
"Deborah's calm, fair manner of handling any conflicts that arose. She was able to keep things moving and also knew when to stop and take up issues later."
"It was efficient and moved the process along."
"Being able to speak freely without being attacked or told it was wrong. It being a 'safe' place to talk openly."
"A warm, accepting environment."
"Deborah's manner and ability to consolidate ideas. She kept a cool head and her word.'
"How quickly everything was arranged and settled."
"I appreciated being able to make our own decisions. I'm glad we did not have to go to court to have our choices decided for us by two attorneys. I felt you were concerned with our lives and our children."
"I was able to better understand what is really needed to better my child's life through the divorce."
"Deborah did an excellent job handling our divorce. She was professional and kind."
"Being able to talk to my ex-wife about our children without being cut off or told to speak to her lawyer."
"The dignity to proceed at my pace. The opportunity to work out our own difficult decisions."
"Environment was not as intimidating as a court room would have been."
"How easy it was to work with the mediator and doing some of this over the phone instead of having to have an appointment to clarify minor issues or make changes to the agreement."
"Points were brought up that neither of us had thought about. We were able to make clear choices before the divorce instead of after."
"I appreciated the extra time Deborah spent with us. Initially, it was hard for me to let go of some of my dreams but I think the benefits of both of us agreeing will be best in the end. I feel so strongly about our decision being mutually agreeable and that our relationship, for our son's sake remains friendly and cooperative. I can really see how much of a difference mediation makes!" -Julie H.
Do you think that mediation affected your on-going relationship with your (ex-)spouse or your child(ren)'s adjustment to divorce? Please explain.
"We remained civil throughout despite our differences."
"I believe it avoided a potentially ugly court trial so yes, it kept things on as even keel as possible. It was much easier on our child, too."
"Yes. Being in mediation having to work through the process ourselves, required us to keep communication open and even to improve the way we communicate. We both kept the other's needs in mind throughout the process.'
"I think it is much better to work out our own problems rather than have the court dictate the decisions. I think the children benefit by seeing their parents agree on issues concerning them.'
"Mediation and exiting counseling was the best thing we could have done. My ex-husband and I have a very good relationship."
"Yes. It helped us to remain friends. Our friendly relationship certainly has helped the kids adjust."
