Mediation

Facilitative Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is an informal and confidential process where Mara Berke, as the neutral mediator with no authority to make decisions, facilitates discussions between you and your spouse to guide you through the divorce process. The role of a California divorce mediator is to provide a means of settling the inevitable conflicts that arise during the divorce process while laying the foundation for future problem solving. During the mediation process, you and your spouse will have the opportunity to speak directly to one another about issues of concern in a neutral environment and to engage in cooperative problem-solving. In this non-threatening environment, you will work together to customize solutions that work best for you and your family. The goal is to reach a mutual understanding that addresses the needs and interests of each client so that a written binding agreement can be obtained.

Mara's mediation process is facilitative, that is to act as your guide as you consider the relevant present and future concerns faced when getting a divorce. She is organized and works with you in her step by step, strategic approach in moving through the issues that need to be addressed. She listens attentively, may be directive when necessary, yet also remains flexible in the process of assisting clients in reaching a resolution that addresses their individual interests. Two hour sessions are usually conducted with the clients jointly. She may also meet separately, under certain circumstances, or separate the clients and "caucus" with each client. She may include, if desired or necessary, other experts, such as a forensic accountant, therapist or special education attorney, or suggest that the clients seek additional information. Sometimes other perspectives offer the clients a rich blend of knowledge to help work through the current issues and to anticipate issues the family may face as they transition. While Mara may generate and suggest options, the ultimate decisions remain with the clients. The additional benefit of the mediation process, other than the benefit of decreased emotional and financial costs, is that clients may be able to satisfy interests that would not be considered by a court, but are important to them.

Mara mediates the following issues:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Property Division
• Post judgment modifications of child support, spousal support, and child custody
• Post-nuptial agreements
• Prenuptial agreements