RETIRED
Janet E. Mitchell, J.D. Mediator for interpersonal disputes; planning division of assets and making agreements; mediator for elder decisions; workplace mediator. Training.
Are you in the process of splitting up, and can't reach an agreement?
John felt his world was caving in when his partner Tom left him. Tom had an internet romance that John didn't know anything about until he moved out. "What about our kids? Is he gone for good?"
Sally could barely stand to continue to live with Barb after they decided to split up. "I bet she's reading my emails, and I know she's listening to my phone messages, checking my cell calls, and reading my mail. I don't have any privacy at all. She comes into my room without knocking first, especially if I have a guest. When will this harassment end?"
Joe and Bob thought they would have an amicable separation, but neither knew what the other wanted. When Joe found out Bob wanted both lake cottages, he really felt that was unfair. When Bob learned that Joe wanted their boat, he was furious. "We'll never see eye-to-eye."
These couples decided to try mediation with Janet Mitchell. The neutral mediator sat down with each couple, and listed the topics to be decided. Each issue was evaluated, and options were generated, with both reaching an agreement that they could live with. By having a third party there to ensure civility, they were able to divide their assets fairly, and plan their parenting. They agreed on a set of privacy rules that helped to lower their animosity, and they were able to reach a complete workable agreement.
Mediation works because the focus is on finding an agreement that the other will accept as well--on mutually deciding the future of finances and children, while promoting respect for each other.
Janet Mitchell, Lawyer/Mediator. $150/hr. BA Psychology & JD University of Michigan Law School. Internet, webcam, meetings in Midwest [ Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois]
