Family/divorce mediation is a process designed to help couples deal with the challenges which arise when the marriage is nearing dissolution. Separation and divorce are among the most painful and disruptive events that an individual and family can experience. Emotions tend to run high at this time and the issues to be dealt with also tend to have a high emotional content. Mediation provides a safe, neutral environment where the couple is encouraged to consider creative solutions to their particular circumstances based on their common values.

For couples who want to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives and don't want their children, if any, caught in the middle, mediation is the perfect process. Mediation aims at reducing tensions during this process, unlike litigation which usually increases tensions. Couples are helped to work together productively in spite of their anger to negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences.

Mediation is a voluntary, impartial and confidential process which provides the following benefits:

• The parties retain complete decision making authority.
• An informal, flexible process which can be adapted to meet the needs of the individuals.
• Generally mediation is a much less expensive and faster process than litigation.
• By fostering a positive, goal oriented atmosphere together, a good working relationship can ensue which will benefit not only the divorcing couple, but their entire family as well.

During the mediation process, couples are encouraged to consult with other professionals, as needed, including lawyers (for legal consultation during the process and attorney review of the final agreement), accountants, financial planners, career counselors, psychotherapists and child psychologists.

Res Ipsa Mediation Services

As an attorney and a certified professional coach with the ACC credential from International Coach Federation, Adam J. Krim combines all the skill-sets from various disciplines to help Res Ipsa Mediation clients achieve a sustainable agreement as they move towards separation and divorce. Divorce utilizing mediation is a three pronged process:

• Mediate the issues – Res Ipsa Mediation will help you and your spouse mediate through all the relevant issues pertaining to your divorce;
• Draft and sign the Separation Agreement – if requested and hired by you, Adam J. Krim will draft and explain all the terms of the Separation Agreement which will include all the terms you agreed to during mediation; and
• Filing the Separation Agreement in court together with the petition for divorce – Adam J. Krim will, if requested by you, recommend several attorneys who will prepare the final court papers for your divorce. Typically fees for this service are fixed and reasonable.

The four main issues to be considered during mediation are: Parenting arrangements; Child support; Spousal maintenance (alimony); and equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities. Each of these issues can raise the emotional stakes of the couple. As a mediator, Adam J. Krim helps smooth those stakes and allows the couple to reach the decisions which work best for them.

Sessions are typically 90 minutes or 120 minutes long, depending on the the needs and desires of the couple. The frequency of our meetings also varies and conforms to the individual couple's situation.

Res Ipsa Mediation Fees:
For mediation - based on an hourly rate and paid at the end of each mediation session.
For drafting the Separation Agreement - a flat fee paid on signing the separate hiring letter for this service.