Many people believe that mediation is only for amicable divorces, or that it’s not an effective option for high-conflict cases. But the truth is, there are a lot of myths out there about divorce mediation that simply aren’t true.
One of the biggest myths is that divorce mediation is only for couples who get along well. In reality, mediation can be a highly effective option even for couples with high levels of conflict. In fact, a skilled mediator can help facilitate productive communication and problem-solving, even when emotions are running high.
Some believe that mediation is a quick fix, and that all issues can be resolved in just a few sessions. While mediation can be way more efficient than going through the court system, it’s important to remember that the process can take time.
Lastly, some people believe that mediation means giving up control and agreeing to whatever the other party wants.
But in reality, mediation is a process where both parties have a say in the outcome. The mediator serves as a neutral third-party to guide the conversation and facilitate a mutually agreeable resolution.
Don’t let these myths hold you back from considering divorce mediation. With the help of a professional mediator, you can work towards a more amicable and efficient divorce, even in high-conflict situations!
Have questions? Please feel free to reach out to me.
Beryl McNeill is a Calgary divorce lawyer who strongly believes mutual respect and understanding go a long way toward resolving family law matters. As a Registered Collaborative Law practitioner in Calgary, she has dedicated her firm to amicable, cooperative negotiation as a means for settling divorces. Furthermore, throughout her law career, Beryl has seen the costs of adversarial negotiations, both financial and emotional. In emphasizing the collaborative approach, Beryl offers her clients a more efficient model that preserves personal and monetary assets alike.
More and more individuals are attracted to resolving their family law matters in a civil, respectful way. Therefore, they come to Beryl from many walks of life—as professionals in the oil and gas industry and their spouses, business owners, and working spouses with children. Clients say that even after a single consultation with Beryl they feel less stressed and more clear about the way forward.
Beryl understands the often fearful, emotional early stages of divorce. Incorporating skills developed from her training as a life coach, Beryl helps clients move beyond their stress response to more logical, creative thinking. Once there, she works with clients to discover what’s truly important to them in attaining divorce. Furthermore, she encourages clients to picture what a successful settlement would look like a year or more down the road as a means of focusing on their goals. By educating and empowering clients, Beryl seeks to transform the way they resolve family disputes—in a more constructive, intelligent and amicable way than would be possible otherwise.
Finally, Beryl is very active with the Family Bar and the Collaborative Law Community. Her involvement provides her clients with the assurance that she has her finger on the pulse of Family Law in Alberta, offering them a distinct advantage in their quest for equity and civility.