Creative Dispute Mediation

Marital Mediation - Maximizing Harmony in the Relationship

Even if you satisfy most of those well advertised dimensions of compatibility, contention might persist over unresolved issues.

The agenda: Identify those issues and negotiate mutually agreed solutions.

The approach: The same as described on the APPROACH TO MEDIATION page.

Some broad categories of typical issues:                      

•    Money Management
•    Division of Household Responsibilities
•    Child Rearing
•    Holiday Observances
•    Vacation Planning
•    Parents and In-laws
•    Step Families
•    Senior Care
•    Retirement
•    Social Activities
•    Politics
•    Charities: Time / Money Donations
•    Time Together / Time Apart
•     Religious Practices
•     When to leave a good party
  

Marital mediation is neither marriage counseling nor therapy, yet it is compatible with both. Unlike marriage counseling and therapy, marital mediation is designed to be of short term duration – no more than a few ninety minute to two hour sessions, with a week or so space between.

There is another important distinction: While there should be no stigma attached to engaging in couple’s therapy or marriage counseling, the unfortunate fact is that, in some circles, stigma can prevent couples from benefiting from those services. Marital mediation does not suffer that burden.

There is no need to delve into the past -- beyond clearly defining the underlying issues -- and no one is at fault. The focus is on improving communication and negotiation skills within the marital context. All aspects of the mediation are held in strictest confidence – as with all mediation. This is a very empowering process

If you are committed to preserving and strengthening your relationship, and you realize that negotiating some issues would be helpful, then this approach would be beneficial to you.  

Evening and weekend appointments are available. Please contact  me by phone or e-mail and schedule an appointment.