Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1 PART I: ELEMENTS OF DIVORCE MEDIATION 5
2. What is Client-Centered Mediation? 7Approaches to Resolving Conflict 7Competition versus Cooperation 10
3. Your Role As a Mediator 15Qualifications 15Responsibilities 15References 23
4. Emotions Involved in Divorce 25The Emotional Divorce Process 25The Relationship Circle 27Reference 30
PART II: THE MEDIATION PROCESS 31
5. Initial Consultation 35Administering the Intake Form 36Screening for Abuse 36Forming a Relationship 40Providing Information 42Closing the Initial Consultation 47Assigning Homework for Next Session 47
6. Subject Area 1: Establishing a Parenting Plan 49Child Development and the Effects of Divorce 49Effects of Spousal Abuse on Children 55The "Custody" Contest Is Always About Something Else 56How to Create a Parenting Plan 58The Process of Establishing a Parenting Plan 63Assigning Homework for Next Session 69After the Session 70Parenting Arrangements 70Reference 74
7. Subject Area 2: Budgeting for the Future 75Why the Budgeting Process is Necessary 75The Process of Budgeting for the Future 76Assigning Homework for Next Session 84After the Session 84Expenses 85
8. Subject Area 3: Dividing Property 89Listing Property and Its Value 89Identifying Nonmarital Property 104Defining Standards of Fairness 104Final Division and Distribution 104Summary of Property Division 105After the Session 106
9. Subject Area 4: Addressing Tax and Legal Issues and Review Agreements 107Addressing Tax Issues 107Address Legal Issues 109Reviewing Agreements 109Assigning Homework for Next Session 109After the Session 110Memorandum of Agreement 114
10. Subject Area 5: Finalizing the Memorandum of Agreement 141
11. Mediator Strategies143Basic Mediator Strategies 143Strategies for Mediating Special Situations 160Strategies for Avoiding Impasse163Reference 175
PART III: APPENDIXES 177
A. Forms 179 B. Recommended Readings 201