Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation helps a couple get beyond arguing about their divorce settlement by addressing what each spouse needs and how to meet those needs.

Divorce Mediation allows a couple to meet with a skilled divorce mediator to resolve disputes and obtain a marital settlement. A divorce mediator helps a couple settle their divorce in a fully confidential manner without the involvement of the courts. During divorce mediation the divorcing spouses meet with the mediator to negotiate a marital settlement agreement. The mediation is a process involving full disclosure and open negotiations in order to obtain a divorce that is non-destructive.

As a psychologist and an attorney, Sietze Vanderheide is able to help divorcing spouses sit together and resolve their disputes. Using the principles of Divorce Therapy, Sietze will help you obtain the healthiest divorce possible.

Although the issues are resolved in the mediation sessions with the two of you and the mediator, there are others involved to assure you that your interests are protected.

Consulting Attorneys

I encourage the individuals in mediation to utilize the aid of a consulting attorney. I have associations with attorneys who respect the mediation process and will allow you to remain in control. The consulting attorneys we recommend can be hired at an hourly charge and will give you feedback and guidance. The hourly rate is affordable and does not involve a commitment on your part to retaining an attorney to represent you.

Financial Adviser

Where appropriate I will recommend the use of an independent financial consultant. The financial consultant will review the financial documents and property valuations. The consultant will then make recommendations that optimize the division of property and support payment. The financial consultant will also provide feedback on the long-term consequences of the financial aspects of the settlement you have agreed upon.

Paralegal Services

I can recommend paralegal services that will expertly and economically provide all the court filings required. Often you need never even set foot in court and the professional neutrality of the paralegal service gives you piece of mind that the filings are being handled fairly.

As an attorney and a psychologist I aim to tailor the mediation process to suit the circumstances of the individuals involved. I will meet with you to determine exactly what structure is needed to help you both obtain the healthiest divorce possible.

The mediation sessions are generally two hours in length and are held as frequently as needed based on the nature of the problems being discussed.

The goal is to address all the issues in the context of all the other issues - no one aspect of a divorce exists in isolation. Financial issues, property and housing issues, as well as parenting issues are all interrelated and it is my goal to help the individuals resolve the dispute with the over-all context in mind.

Additionally, the mediation aims to include a view towards the future. A good agreement must stand the test of time. The solution to today's problems must be addressed in light of what may happen in the future. It has been my experience that including the current circumstances as well as future considerations will lead to the best settlement possible.

Mediation is entirely confidential. All discussions held in the mediation are private and cannot be used in court. Unlike court proceedings, the mediation discussions will never become public record.

CONTROL

The individuals in the mediation control the process. Unlike settlement negotiations between lawyers, you are the one making the decisions.  Since you both agree to mediation, neither of you will be subjected to the actions of an attorney representing your spouse. Neither of you will be dragged into court to account for something - together you will determine what is best for the both of you. Since mediation does not involve the court, you both will have the power to settle the issues between you regarding your family, children, and property.

COST

Mediation costs considerably less than a traditional divorce involving opposing attorneys. Cost savings arise because there is no need for expensive discovery procedures such as subpoenas and depositions, and there are no protracted court appearances or extended settlement meetings between your attorneys.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET ALONG TO MEDIATE

A common miss-perception is that mediation requires that you like each other or that you get along and not disagree. If all that were true you probably would not be getting a divorce. You do not have to like each other or agree to use mediation.

YOU MUST MAKE A COMMITMENT TO HONESTY AND TRUTHFULNESS

Mediation requires that you both be honest and truthful. If you aim to hide assets or manipulate the system then mediation is not for you. 

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO EXPRESS YOUR NEEDS AND LISTEN TO OTHERS

You do not need to know everything about what you need; but, you must be able to express yourself - to speak your mind and to listen to others in the mediation speak their mind. 

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO WORK TOWARDS A RESOLUTION

Mediation is a process of discussion that leads to resolution of differences, and you must be able to participate in that discussion. Mediation is not handing over your problems to a mediator who will resolve them; rather the mediator is there to facilitate your discussions and to make suggestions that help the discussions result in a settlement agreement.