Robin’s Approach to Divorce Mediation
“The most important elements to a fair settlement are communication, information, and an impartial negotiation process.”
At Graine Mediation, our focus is on helping families resolve conflict and reach settlement in a fair, informed, and practical way. Our mediation process is designed to minimize unnecessary emotional strain, avoid costly litigation, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
We help couples develop thoughtful, long-term solutions to the issues arising from their divorce. Throughout the process, we provide a 360-degree view of the legal, financial, tax, and child-related implications of the various settlement options available to you. Armed with that understanding, you can make informed decisions and reach mutual agreements that reflect your family's unique needs and priorities.
Our Method
Mediation is about helping divorcing couples create mutually acceptable solutions through structured communication and informed negotiation.
Mediation is:
- Practical
- Respectful
- Informative
- Cost-effective
- Focused on long-term solutions
Mediation is an excellent choice for couples experiencing conflict, as well as for those who simply aren't sure where to begin.
Graine Mediation: 3-Step Divorce Settlement Process
Step 1: Identify and Prioritize the Issues
Every divorce is different. Robin begins by helping you identify the issues that need to be resolved, such as property division, custody and parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, retirement accounts, and other financial matters. Together, you'll create a clear roadmap for the discussions ahead, while keeping the focus on practical solutions and your future rather than past conflicts.
Step 2: Make Informed Decisions
Successful settlements are built on good information. Throughout the mediation process, Robin provides practical guidance on the legal, financial, and tax issues that commonly arise during divorce, including property division, child support, custody, alimony, and settlement options. This allows both spouses to make informed decisions with a clear understanding of the potential consequences of each option.
Step 3: Reach Fair and Practical Agreements
Robin guides productive discussions and helps keep negotiations moving forward. When disagreements arise, she offers creative settlement options, helps bridge differences in negotiation styles, and works to ensure both spouses have an equal opportunity to participate in the process. The goal is to reach agreements that are practical, durable, and tailored to your family's unique circumstances.
Your Settlement Agreement
Once you have reached an agreement, Robin prepares a professionally drafted Marital Settlement Agreement that accurately reflects the terms of your settlement and is ready to be reviewed, signed, and filed with the court. This comprehensive agreement becomes the roadmap for your divorce and helps ensure that the decisions you made together are clearly documented.
Graine Mediation: Principles of Effective Mediation
- Mutually acceptable solutions rather than one-sided victories.
- Objective facts and reliable information instead of assumptions and emotionally driven decisions.
- An efficient, streamlined settlement approach rather than unnecessarily complex and time-consuming legal strategies.
- Clear, respectful communication that helps preserve parental and family relationships.
- Informed decision-making based on:
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- Divorce law and prevailing judicial practices
- The financial implications of various settlement options
- Tax considerations
- Child-related issues, including the impact of different parenting arrangements on child development, emotional well-being, and family dynamics.
- Constructive problem-solving with an emphasis on practical solutions rather than fault.
- Fair and practical compromises achieved through cooperative problem-solving and calm, productive discussions.
- Long-term thinking and planning that considers the future consequences of today's agreements.
