To sum it up . . .and a few general comments . . .
If parties are coming to mediation, then they/their attorneys have not yet been able to amicably resolve the issues. Simply, the goal of mediation is settle these issues and thus avoid the necessity (and expense) of further litigation. And, mediation usually works . . . approximately 90% of the family law cases Cheryl mediates do settle.
SOME BASICS:
Even if the mediation is only scheduled for a few hours, try to make the entire day available. When parties are making progress towards a settlement, it can be difficult to keep that "settlement momentum" going, if someone must leave and the mediation continues to another time. [Cheryl only schedules 1 mediation/day. There is not a charge for any unused time.]
If you have minor children, please make sure someone is available to care for the children if the mediation runs late. This can be a great time for children to spend the night with grandparents, family or friends.
Cheryl usually provides some light snacks of fruit, nuts or cookies at each mediation. Bottled water, coffee, and sodas are also provided (but if you have some special soda, etc. you prefer, please bring it with you). If we are not finished with the mediation before lunch, we will order food and have it brought into the office so we can continue working. Food is energy and allows you to focus, so if you have special dietary needs or just want certain snacks/foods with you, please feel free to bring them.
Dress comfortably and bring a sweater/jacket just in case you need it.
Typically, Cheryl keeps the parties in separate rooms with their respective attorneys but if you run into the other party in the hallway, be polite . . . mediation provides a unique opportunity to settle your issues . . . you all can always fight later.
SOME BASICS:
Even if the mediation is only scheduled for a few hours, try to make the entire day available. When parties are making progress towards a settlement, it can be difficult to keep that "settlement momentum" going, if someone must leave and the mediation continues to another time. [Cheryl only schedules 1 mediation/day. There is not a charge for any unused time.]
If you have minor children, please make sure someone is available to care for the children if the mediation runs late. This can be a great time for children to spend the night with grandparents, family or friends.
Cheryl usually provides some light snacks of fruit, nuts or cookies at each mediation. Bottled water, coffee, and sodas are also provided (but if you have some special soda, etc. you prefer, please bring it with you). If we are not finished with the mediation before lunch, we will order food and have it brought into the office so we can continue working. Food is energy and allows you to focus, so if you have special dietary needs or just want certain snacks/foods with you, please feel free to bring them.
Dress comfortably and bring a sweater/jacket just in case you need it.
Typically, Cheryl keeps the parties in separate rooms with their respective attorneys but if you run into the other party in the hallway, be polite . . . mediation provides a unique opportunity to settle your issues . . . you all can always fight later.
