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STEPFAMILY MEDIATION Stepfamilies face unique challenges. Challenges may emerge between the "new" husband and wife, between the ex-spouse and the new spouse, between the new spouse and stepchildren, between the stepchildren of the new spouses, to name a few. Often if the people involved can meet in a neutral setting, with a neutral third party, where they can voice their issues in a safe envirornment, they can come to a solution that is satisfactory for all involved. Mediation is not therapy. A mediator facilitates the meetings by helping the individuals prioritize the issues that they want addressed, ensuring that all issues are addressed, and each person has a chance to be heard. A mediation agreement "memorandum of understanding" is then drawn up and signed by the persons involved. Mediation is confidential, so that anything discussed during the mediation may not be used in future litigated disputes, unless a mediated agreement has been signed. Once an agreement has been signed, the persons involved are agreeing that in the event one of the parties does not follow through with the agreement, the agreement may be submitted in a future dispute. Mediation is done outside of court, so your agreement can be as creative and "outside the box" as you want it. Another consideration is cost. Mediation is often a less costly alternative to litigation. Also matters that a court would not hear or consider, can be addressed in mediation. Contact me for a free consultation so we can discuss your case more throroughly. Sondra BenNaEim, Attorney/Mediator, (714) 619-9344
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