Legalreader.com recently posted an article about getting divorced in the State of Utah. Many couples who show up at mediation are unaware of the process even when they have legal representation.  I encourage all parties in divorce to inform themselves of the process as best they can.  This is one of the major life events you will experience and it is important that you move about it with as much information as possible so you can make good decisions. 

This article details the basic steps in Utah Divorces:
1) Someone files for divorce
2) Petition, Answer & Counter
3) Waiting period
4) Attorney's fees
5) Parenting Plan & Custody Evaluation
6) Mediation
7) Discovery Process
8) Motions
9) Pre-trial Conference
10) Trial 

For detailed information about each step click on the image above to be directed to the article.  Understand that mediation may be listed as step 6, but it can actually be utilized at ANY step of divorce.  Mediation is a place where you can take the time to better understand one another and work together toward a mutually agreed upon resolution.  When couples mediate regularly, they learn to trust the process and their partner/co-parent. I cannot stress enough how useful mediation can be amidst conflict and how much happier participants are than when they leave their personal issues up to the courts.  

Divorcemag.com just posted a helpful article about co-parenting during the holidays.  The end of the year is stressful for everyone, make the most of this year's special moments by utilizing the tips in this article.
1) Organize Time
2) Put the Children's Needs First
3) Consider Sharing the Holiday Together
4) Practice Self-Care
5) Seek Professional Support to Work Through Disagreements

For more details, click on the image above or go to divorcemag.com 

In support of using Mediation in Medicine, an abstract found on PubMed.gov (National Library of Medicine), Debra Gerardi says:

"Healthcare organizations must find ways for managing conflict and developing effective working relationships to create healthy work environments. The effects of unresolved conflict on clinical outcomes, staff retention, and the financial health of the organization lead to many unnecessary costs that divert resources from clinical care. The complexity of delivering critical care services makes conflict resolution difficult. Developing collaborative working relationships helps to manage conflict in complex environments. Working relationships are based on the ability to deal with differences. Dealing with differences requires skill development and techniques for balancing interests and communicating effectively. Techniques used by mediators are effective for resolving disputes and developing working relationships. With practice, these techniques are easily transferable to the clinical setting. Listening for understanding, reframing, elevating the definition of the problem, and forming clear agreements can foster working relationships, decrease the level of conflict, and create healthy work environments that benefit patients and professionals."

Mediation can be used as a tool to improve communication and resolve conflict and tension in any environment.  If you have a workplace issue, do not hesitate to contact us and find out how we can help.  

Lexology.com featured a great article discussing the challenges of co-parenting during COVID-19.  It may seem obvious that communication is not only important but essential in new ways during this “new normal”.  They recommend finding the most effective means of communication and agreeing upon terms and use of that communication.  It is important that co-parents are open and forthcoming about how they plan to approach parenting during their time.  These methods of improved communication can be discussed and organized without tension in mediation.  Contact us to schedule today.  

I LOVE hearing about creative solutions to co-parenting! It reminds me that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.  There is seriously a world of possibilities when two sides have an open mind.  ABC news featured a group of adults with only kids in common who decided to rent a house and shelter in place ALL TOGETHER to the benefit of the kids they share!  What a beautiful gesture at a troubling time.  Their kids will undoubtably look back and see this crisis as a positive life experience even though it will be a crazy adjustment for everyone.