What is mediation?
Conflict Resolution
Mediation is the process of conflict resolution in which parties are assisted by a mediator to arrive at their own solution to a dispute. The mediators identify areas where information is needed and carefully guide the parties to make decisions in a manner that minimizes unproductive conflict. Other professionals such as therapists, accountants, and appraisers may be consulted to support decision-making. Attorneys are also consulted to provide advice on the legal consequences of decisions and review the final agreement.
Retain Control
1. Terminate your relationship without taking on adversarial roles in the process.
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2. Avoid the excessive use of time, money, and energy that litigation demands.
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3. Start creating solutions now instead of waiting months or years in the court system.
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4. Retain control and responsibility for decisions affecting you instead of giving it to lawyers and judges.
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5. Create a resolution that makes it possible for you to have positive future relations with those affected by your dispute.
Possible Mediation Scenarios
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Divorce settlements and separation agreements
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Post divorce modifications of settlements caused by changed circumstances or needs
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Child sharing and visitation arrangements
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Prenuptual and cohabitation agreements
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Same sex separation agreements and settlements
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Community/organizational relations
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Neighborhood, land use & boundary disputes
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Contract disagreements
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Partnership or corporate dissolution
Carol L O'Connell
Over 35 years of experience
"Relationships never really end, they only change form."
Carol began her career in California as a family and business lawyer after completing her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley ('74) and law degree at San Francisco Law School ('78). In 1985 she trained at the Center For Mediation In Law and began implementing mediation in her law practice. In 1990, Carol completed advanced training in mediation and when she moved to Pennsylvania in 1991, she left her law practice and devoted her time exclusively to mediation.
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Carol believes relationships never really end. In divorce situations, memories and children connect you to a shared past, and the decision to no longer live as a couple or a family means restructuring your relationship. You have the choice to do this either in an environment of respect and honesty or in an environment of distrust and hostility which is often encouraged in litigation.
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Which experience do you prefer to have?
Which do you want to model for your family?
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Now, with over 35 years of experience, she's ready to help guide you through your next transition amicably.
Mediation
Coaching
Mediated decisions are ones that both parties can live with. They are your decisions and do not rely on the judgment of professionals who do not know you. Mediation maximizes the opportunity for maintaining positive relationships both during and after the mediation process. You begin constructing your agreement now instead of waiting for attorneys or the congested court system. By collaborating in mediation, you avoid duplicative employment of professionals and eliminate emotionally and financially draining court proceedings.
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Divorce Mediation
The law requires that couples address certain issues when changing their marital status including child sharing arrangements, child and spousal support, property distribution and responsibility for debt. The mediator's role is to keep these issues in focus and identify emotionally sensitive issues which must be addressed to prevent the emotional buildup which so often entangles the typical divorce experience.
Divorce and post-divorce disputes are often the most emotionally challenging situations we experience. These events can bring out the best or the worst in us. How we respond to the challenge depends on our attitude about conflict and upon the guidance and support we receive in resolving the situation.
As Process Guide:
This is specialized guidance in setting up the best approach to resolve a conflict that is specific to the client’s needs and values. Clients are guided in clarifying their goals for the outcome and in defining how they would like the process to go. There are several options available on how one can complete a divorce or resolve other disputes, whether through the court or informally. Clients are educated on these options and strategies so they know what is possible and what they can reasonably expect from attorneys and the courts. Clients are assisted in the selection of attorneys who fit them and who will respect the goals they have set and the way they want their process to be handled.
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After the resolution process has been set up, continued coaching is available during the process of resolving the dispute. Coaching is available to parties in a mediation process with another mediator or where the client is not using mediation and is instead attempting to resolve the dispute through attorneys or on their own.
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As Conflict Coach:
Clients are coached individually to become aware of their own role and ability to influence the resolution of a conflict. Self-awareness and communication skills are taught which allows the conflict, to a great degree, to be resolved "from the inside out". This often reduces the time and expense spent in conflict situations and eliminates the need for a protracted legal process
Getting Started
Mediation generally requires 3 to 5 (2 hour) sessions to address the issues that need to be included in your agreement to be submitted to the court. Time spent in session and preparing for and debriefing mediation sessions, coordinating with other professionals, drafting agreements and in telephone calls are billed at an hourly rate.
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Initial consultation by phone is offered at no charge. (Up to one-half hour for each party).
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For additional information or for any questions please contact Carol directly at 215-862-0226 or send her an email.
"Mediated decisions are ones that both parties can live with. They are your decisions and do not rely on the judgment of professionals who do not know you."