How to choose a divorce mediator?
If you are in Orange County and do an online search for divorce “Mediator Orange County,” there are about 405000 search results. What is the best way to choose a divorce mediator Orange County in general, and the mediator who has the techniques, style, and approach suitable for you and your spouse?
(1) Generally, when someone looks for professional services, they consider:
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Price
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Experience
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Availability
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Location
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Reviews/Testimonials
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Credentials and training
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Professionalism
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Trustworthy
(2) There are certain specific mediator characteristics to keep in mind while evaluating how to choose a divorce mediator Orange County:
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Estimated time of process; Be sure that divorce mediator is result oriented.
- Ability to asses where the parties are at, see page “When and Why is it Important that you are BOTH Ready to Get a Divorce?”
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Creativity in helping explore alternative decision making
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Active listening skill, which includes attending, following, asking reflecting questions
(3) Finally, when searching for a divorce mediator Orange County, you need to know that each divorce mediator is using specific techniques, strategy, and style of divorce mediation. One divorce mediator Orange County can use an Evaluative Approach, another can use Facilitative Approach. Some divorce mediators use Transformative approach focused on Conflict interaction. A Facilitative Divorce Mediator Orange County will guide the spouses in reaching a mutually agreeable solution.The mediator is asking questions, moving from the position to interests and needs, exploring and analyzing options for mutual benefit. The facilitative mediators usually don’t make recommendations to the spouses. Evaluative divorce mediator analyzes weaknesses and strength of the case.The mediator predicts what would be the judge’s decision. The evaluative divorce mediator suggests solutions and apply pressure on the parties. A Transformative divorce mediator focuses on moving parties from negative conflict interaction to positive conflict interaction (transforming the conflict).In positive conflict interaction, parties are capable of resolving the dispute themselves.It will be a good idea to interview a Divorce Mediator Orange County, perhaps three or four of them to be sure you are comfortable with their approach of mediation and their personality before making a final choice.You might also consider asking a mediator whether he or she provides legal material to help you in understanding basic legal background for your legal issue(s). A mediator cannot give you legal advice, even if the mediator is a licensed attorney. However, any certified divorce mediator, whether he or she is an attorney, paralegal, or any other related field, is trained enough to provide you with legal material for you to make an informed decision. -
