MEDIATION

Mediation, as an alternative dispute resolution technique, is especially effective for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer families in divorces and domestic partnership dissolutions. It can also be used for a variety of inter-familial and/or inter-personal conflicts and even to help create agreements for parties not in conflict to help guide future rights and responsibilities.

The mediator acts as a facilitator using experience and education to enable you to come to wise resolutions, based on needs and the realities of your situation. You do not give over control of the result in any way. We are here to guide you through the process and help you to understand the actual needs and values underlying the other’s positions so that resolution can ensue.

As a group, we strongly advocate that LGBTQ families utilize alternative dispute resolution techniques where problems arise. New York law does not necessarily protect our relationships.. Litigation is expensive and destructive to all participants and their children and creativity is stifled because of limitations in the adversarial system. By focusing on actual needs, desires and other realities, and working in good faith, a fair outcome which is actually capable of working is much more likely. The neutral mediator, bound by ethical standards, ensures that information is properly gathered and shared. Clients are empowered when they resolve their own conflicts and are each more likely to comply with the agreements they reach in mediation.

By utilizing a mediator through LGBTQI Family Professionals of New York you can also draw upon the assistance of a team of advocates comprised of LGBTQ therapists or coaches, financial experts and child specialists.

Unlike the adversarial model of resolution, this problem-solving framework lays the foundation for future, constructive dialogue between all individuals, which can be especially useful when children are involved.