Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which the mediator leads the litigating parties through a process that seeks to resolve their case with a mutually acceptable solution. The agreements must be agreed to by all parties and accepted by the court.
I highly recommend mediation. It is a process where you are in control of the outcome of the case. I find this especially important in family disputes involving children or elderly family members. Who is in the best position to decide what is in the best interest of your children or elderly loved one? Who has the most information regarding the value of the marital or estate property (market and sentimental)? Who knows what it will take to make you whole once the dispute is resolved? The answer is YOU! All of the parties get to have their say in the matter and fashion a solution that fits their needs. It is almost certain to be less expensive than litigation, more efficient, and more affable.
As your mediator I will be mindful- that is observing without judgment and accepting the situation as it presents itself. As your mediator, I am a neutral participant and thus, I do not choose sides. I will be attentive to your needs while guiding through the process towards a mutually agreeable resolution. I do not give opinions, legal advice, or make a judgment/decision on your case (as a judge would). My goal is to make this process as smooth as possible.
Parenting Coordination is similar to mediation. Parenting Coordinators can be appointed by the court to help parents reach parenting decisions after the divorce. As your parenting coordinator, I will help you resolve disputes that arise while co-parenting. My goal is to help you work through the dispute and make a mutual agreement that is in the best interest of the family.
I have over 100 hours of mediation training from The Supreme Court of Ohio*. This includes:
I am trained in facilitative, transformative, and evaluative mediation. I have some training in developing a mediation program.
- Fundamentals of Mediation Training
- Domestic Abuse Issues in Mediation Training
- Specialized Family/Divorce Mediation
- School Attendance Mediation Training
- Parenting Coordinator Training
- Early Neutral Evaluation Training
- Elder Care Mediation
- Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Mediation Training
- Parenting Coordination
*Except for Elder Care Mediation, these trainings meet the qualifications for your court to appoint me as your mediator or I can work as your private mediator.
I offer flexible office hours, including evenings and weekends. I am located in Cincinnati, Ohio and I handle cases is Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and surrounding counties.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A GAL is appointed by the court to make a recommendation as to what is in the best interest of the child(ren). As your GAL, I will maintain objectivity and fairness throughout the process. I will conduct my investigation as efficiently and thoroughly as possible, always seeking what is the best recommendation to make to the court regarding your child’s best interest.
The Supreme Court of Ohio outlines the GAL’s responsibilities, but there is also the court’s local rule (the rules in your county) which must be followed. A GAL must:
1. represent the best interest of the child;
2. maintain independence, objectivity and fairness;
3. act with respect and courtesy to the parties;
4. appear and participate in all hearings and at “in camera” interviews between the judge or magistrate and the child;
5. ask the court, in writing, to resolve conflicts by entering appropriate orders;
6. request psychological, mental health or substance abuse assessments regarding the parties;
7. avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest that may arise from any relationship or activity;
8. make reasonable efforts to learn about the facts of the case by:
- observing the child with each parent, foster parent, guardian or physical custodian and conducting at least one interview with the child where none of these individuals are present;
- visiting the child’s residence in accordance with any court-established standards;
- ascertaining the child’s wishes;
- interviewing the parties, foster parents and other individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the case;
- reviewing pleadings and other relevant court documents;
- reviewing criminal, civil, educational and administrative records pertaining to the child and, if appropriate, to the child’s family or other parties;
- interviewing school personnel, medical and mental health providers, child protective services workers and relevant court personnel, and obtaining copies of relevant records;
- recommending that the court order psychological evaluations, substance abuse assessments or other evaluations or tests that would be helpful to the court;
9. provide the court with a written report of the activities listed above.
I am located in Cincinnati, Ohio and I handle cases is Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and surrounding counties.