Choosing a Divorce Mediator: a Guide to Help Divorcing Couples Find a Competent Mediator

Discusses the advantages of divorce mediation, and offers advice on selecting a mediator, legal needs, and the mediation process

During the 1980s, the cultural attitude toward divorce took a spin. Whereas people used to condemn divorce seekers, now they want to help them. Those who evidently help the most are a burgeoning breed of "divorce mediators" who aim to reduce the emotional and financial expenditures of this experience. Unfortunately, mediation is an unregulated, unlicensed field, with only a few states requiring certification. Neumann, a therapist and experienced mediator, provides a guide through these murky waters by advising how to determine who needs a mediator, where to find one, how to assess the mediator's expertise, what questions to ask, and how to decide if and when one needs a lawyer. She stresses that although mediation does not mean "compromise," disagreements, a routine part of divorce, can be settled by this third party. Several appendixes contain sample information sheets, a mediation contract, standards of practice, a state listing of members of the Academy of Family Mediators, and an extensive bibliography. A practical guide for soon-to-be-unmarrieds. Patricia Hassler

This is a comprehensive guide to the generally unfamiliar process of selecting a divorce mediator. In explaining the process, Neumann goes into significant detail about mediation itself, an added benefit for couples considering that route. Past president of the Academy of Family Mediators, author of Divorce Mediation: How To Cut the Cost and Stress of Divorce, (Holt, 1989. o.p.), and longtime mediator, Neumann knows her business. In a field where there are plenty of pretenders and few standards, she discusses 21 possible needs a couple may have and should prioritize before seeking a mediator. While the book is clear and well organized, couples may be so overwhelmed by all the factors Neumann suggests they consider they may elect to skip mediation and leave the job to lawyers. Recommended for public libraries.?Julie Denny, Alliance for Mediation & Conflict Resolution Inc., Amenia, N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.