Divorce Mediation Group

Comment

Comment by Delilah Knox Rios on February 10, 2014 at 4:56pm

I have been very fortunate to have a great co-mediator, Patrick Healey, from Irvine, who is a male, and an mft. While I was working on numbers with one client, he was getting the other settlement ready in an emotional sense, so that when the joint session came started everyone was on board. I also believe that gender balance is not necessary either in Mediation or in Collaborative Law.  True professionals transcend gender.

Comment by Arianna Jeret on January 8, 2014 at 7:14pm

I co-mediated divorce cases for about 2 years with another female mediator.  As opposed to gender balance as an issue, she brought her knowledge and perspective as an attorney to the table, and I came to the table with a very different frame of reference as a mental health professional.  I feel rather strongly that gender balance in co-mediation is a myth.  A good mediator is a good mediator, and neutrality should include gender-blindness. In any divorce case the mediator can only be the same gender as one party, right?  Sometimes the husband may have a concern about a female mediator, and honestly, sometimes the wife may.  I find that by holding individual sessions with each spouse prior to the first joint session, I am able to bond with each separately and earn their trust.  The gender issue disappears.

Comment by Kym Adams Director of CEDRS on October 20, 2009 at 10:41pm

I agree Kathy, I have co-mediated with a male attorney mediator and if has been very helpful. It adds a balance in the session. I don't co-mediate all the time but, only if needed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Comment by Kym Adams Director of CEDRS on October 1, 2009 at 9:16pm

Question... has anyone ever co-mediated a divorce case? The reason why I am asking is because as I am mediating more and more disso cases. I have observed some patterns. I try to interview each case (pro-bono) prior. This process has helped me greatly. However, I have noticed that some (not all) of the disso cases would benefit from the same balance in the room. What I mean by that is having a male and female mediator. I have interviewed a couple male attorney mediators to co-mediate with me but, I have found it to be a difficult process. I want to find that perfect male and female mediator balance (match). Maybe, I have high standards?? That is why I am asking the more seasoned mediators in this group their opinion. I am taking the first giant step forward Tuesday and co-mediating with another. I hope I made the right decision and if it works I can see much potential for these types of cases. Can anyone share some thoughts with me please?