As a mediator, I am hired to serve as a neutral third party helping my clients resolve challenging family issues without the financial and emotional costs of litigation. I facilitate a process aimed toward mutual understanding of each other’s needs and toward creating sustainable solutions to the underlying issues. What this means is that I first try to help my clients understand each other’s perspective. When some level of understanding is restored, I help them find solutions that meet both of their needs. With these solutions the parties form an agreement that will be effective going forward. This process tends to restore trust and respect, making honoring the terms of the agreement beyond mediation more easeful.