As a Divorce & Family mediator in Birmingham, AL, I am an impartial, third-party person that helps people negotiate their disputes over their divorce. I have over 60 hours of mediation training. As a mediator, I can help do the following:
Assist parties in discussing parenting time and responsibilities
Allow each party the opportunity to communicate their concerns to the other party
Empower parents to use problem-solving skills in the future to address issues and deal with conflict
Assist parties to negotiate an agreement satisfying to both
Facilitate discussion of assets liabilities, including property and businesses, and spousal support, if any.
Help the parties to explore alternative ways to resolve problems.
What is my role as the mediator?
I am not a judge and will not render a decision or impose a solution on any party. Rather, I assist in helping both of you talk to each other and resolve issues in a way that meets both of your needs.
Why would you use mediation for parenting, divorce and post-divorce issues?
In mediation, you and your former spouse are able to keep control over the outcome and solutions. Both of you are the most familiar with issues unique to your family. By mediating, this helps free you up to focus on what you need to be focused on: your kids.
Mediation is confidential and private.
Your disputes settle promptly. Mediation is scheduled as soon as both parties agree to use it, even before legal papers are filed.
By choosing mediation over litigation, you will be choosing to reduce the emotional trauma associated with your divorce.
Settlement in mediation is entirely voluntary. While the courts may order you to try mediation, either party or the mediator can end the mediation at any time.
Mediation costs are usually significantly less than trial costs.
Both of you are much more likely to comply with agreements that meet your needs than custody imposed on you by a judge.
How does divorce mediation work?
I will meet with each of the parties/parents in a room that allows for privacy and safety. For some, it may be okay for everyone to sit at one table and discuss issues. Other parties may want to break up into separate rooms and discuss things privately. Parties/parents may elect to bring their attorneys with them, and this is advisable. After a description of the process, I set guidelines, explain confidentiality, and then both parties (if they agree) will a contract agreeing to mediate. Parents may work toward creating a plan for co-parenting, as well as discuss assets, debts and spousal support.
Through mediation, parties have an opportunity to tailor a plan specifically suited for their needs and the needs of their children. The mediator will usually meet privately with each party to explore more fully the facts and needs of the parties. This gives the participants the opportunity to communicate to the mediator their real interests, as well as vent any anger or frustration outside the presence of the opposing party.
The mediator will communicate ideas and proposals to the other party, when a party approves it, so that an agreement can be reached. The agreement is written and signed by both parties.
What if I have domestic violence in my marriage?
Many legal professionals believe mediation is a safer form of resolution for divorce than litigation when DV is involved. I have 14 hours of domestic violence training because this is the requirement in the state of Alabama when DV claims are apart of the mediation.
Why would I use a Co-Parenting Counselor instead of an attorney to mediate my divorce?
If you have a number of co-parenting issues, my perspective and experience as a co-parenting counselor can offer a different perspective than that of an attorney. I also take a much more therapeutic approach instead of just a legal approach as an attorney would in mediation. Mediation may take a little longer, but your concerns are discussed in a more therapeutic way.
I am not getting a divorce but I need help with some family mediation. Can you help?
Yes! We love getting families and generations together to help mediate disputes as well as help them have hard conversations so families can gain a deeper understanding of each other. Having a neutral, trained Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a trained mediator could be just what your family needs to get beyond being stuck and holding onto bitterness and resentment, so you can enjoy each other again.
Other Services Sparrow Counseling Offers
At Sparrow Counseling we offer both in-person and online therapy in the state of Alabama. We specialize in marriage counseling, reunification therapy, blended family counseling, teen counseling, grief and loss counseling, and anxiety therapy. Let us aid you in healing broken relationship patterns that keep you from finding, creating, and keeping healthy relationships with partners, friends, and family. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!
Read my blogs about the process of mediation and why it is better than litigation!
Click here to read my blog on 9 Benefits to Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation from a Co-Parenting Counselor's Perspective
How divorce mediation training helped my coparenting counseling