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What is a Mediation Strategist?
By Dr. Lynne C. Halem
Frequently in divorce cases, one spouse wants an attorney and the other
prefers a mediator. However, mediation cannot take place unless both parties
are willing to mediate. For those individuals who want to mediate, but whose
spouse refuses to participate in the process, there is an innovative
solution - a mediation strategist.
It is not uncommon for people to have personal trainers, personal life
coaches, personal assistants, personal shoppers, personal beauty
consultants, and so on. When facing a divorce, one of the most critical,
life-changing events in a person's life, the advantages of having a
mediation strategist to help guide you through the process are innumerable.
The idea is to view the big picture and design
creative settlements that are geared towards a win-win situation rather than
'May the spouse with the most aggressive divorce attorney win.' The
objective is to use creative problem solving for generating proposals and
responses to proposals that not only focus on a settlement that is fair to
both parties but also are financially and emotionally workable.
A Case Study
Tom and Joanne were getting divorced. Joanne wanted to use a mediator and
Tom wanted to get the most aggressive attorney he could find to avoid paying
alimony. Joanne thought she had no choice but to find an equally aggressive
attorney. She met with an attorney known for her no nonsense 'tough gal'
approach. After the initial meeting, and receipt of Joanne's hefty retainer
fee, the 'tough gal' stance appeared to vanish. Her attorney became
reactive, waiting for Tom's lawyer's approach. Joanne became frustrated with
her attorney's lack of initiative.
Sensing her frustration, Joanne's friend recommended a mediation strategist.
She discovered that with the guidance of a mediation strategist, she felt more
empowered. Not only could she respond to Tom's attorney's one-sided proposals,
she could also initiate proposals that would be beneficial to both parties, and
most importantly, beneficial to her children. The end result was a divorce agreement
that both spouses were able to live with, not to mention the savings in mental anguish
and finances.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Lynne Halem, the director of Centre for Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Wellesley Hills, MA,
has been serving as a mediation strategist for individuals who are reluctant to
surrender their case and its direction to respective attorneys. With more than 22 years of mediation
experience, Dr. Halem helps clients to view the big picture and design creative settlements
that are geared towards a win-win situation.
She can be contacted by phone at (781) 239-1600 or or Visit Web Site
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