Elizabeth CJ Cooper, Ph.D.
Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator
I specialize in facilitative divorce mediation and post-divorce mediation.
"I thought that your role in the divorce process was very helpful. I believe we would not have reached a mutually acceptable resolution as quickly without your guidance. I would certainly recommend your services if I ever had a friend or loved one going through a divorce. " A client from 2010
Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator
I specialize in facilitative divorce mediation and post-divorce mediation.
"I thought that your role in the divorce process was very helpful. I believe we would not have reached a mutually acceptable resolution as quickly without your guidance. I would certainly recommend your services if I ever had a friend or loved one going through a divorce. " A client from 2010
Typically, once a person realizes they are headed toward divorce, the first step is to ask friends and family "who's the best divorce attorney in town?" Attorney reputations are built on aggressive representation and getting as much as possible in a divorce settlement. Yet, this approach escalates conflict - costing you time, money and stress. It doesn't have to be this way - there are steps you can take to spare you and your children some of the hurt and expense that results from the usual divorce proceedings.
There is a better way!
There is a better way!
Today, couples have more options for how to move into the future. Mediation is an important part of the process. In mediation you and your spouse, not a judge, decide how you will divide your assets, debts and parenting responsibilities. These are decisions that YOU should be making for yourself. The judge does not know you or your family and does not have time to craft the best parenting plan or divide assets in a manner that suits your specific needs.
Many couples use mediation to help them finalize decisions they need to make to file an agreed divorce. In Tennessee all couples are required to attempt mediation prior to litigating a contested divorce.
What are my choices when getting divorced?
There are several ways to proceed when getting a divorce. Learn more about them here.
FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MEDIATION
1. You can initiate mediation at any time - even before filing for divorce. The earlier the better.
2. I practice facilitative mediation and will mostly keep the parties in the same room - to the extent that it is productive. This allows you to hear each other and makes the process more efficient. You can speak for yourself. It also allows you both to practice the communication skills you will need to successfully co-parent. Many Knoxville mediators keep parties in seperate rooms which creates conflict, makes the process longer, more expensive, and more frustrating.
3. Mediation usually saves you time and money, for example by getting you to the position of being able to file an agreed divorce.
4. Couples who mediate their divorces are more satisfied with the outcome and have fewer post divorce conflicts then those who go to trial and let a judge decide their fate.
5. You are paying the mediator so you can hire who you want. Typically parties will agree to the mediator their divorce attorney recommends. Ask your attorney if the mediator they want you to hire will keep you and your spouse in seperate rooms - although this may sound like a good idea, the statistics show there are better outcomes when mediators keep parties in the same room. (Facilitative mediation does include private conversations between each party and the mediator.)
2. I practice facilitative mediation and will mostly keep the parties in the same room - to the extent that it is productive. This allows you to hear each other and makes the process more efficient. You can speak for yourself. It also allows you both to practice the communication skills you will need to successfully co-parent. Many Knoxville mediators keep parties in seperate rooms which creates conflict, makes the process longer, more expensive, and more frustrating.
3. Mediation usually saves you time and money, for example by getting you to the position of being able to file an agreed divorce.
4. Couples who mediate their divorces are more satisfied with the outcome and have fewer post divorce conflicts then those who go to trial and let a judge decide their fate.
5. You are paying the mediator so you can hire who you want. Typically parties will agree to the mediator their divorce attorney recommends. Ask your attorney if the mediator they want you to hire will keep you and your spouse in seperate rooms - although this may sound like a good idea, the statistics show there are better outcomes when mediators keep parties in the same room. (Facilitative mediation does include private conversations between each party and the mediator.)
My spouse and I can still talk to each other - why do I need a mediator?
Some couples are able to sit down at their kitchen table and make the decisions they need to make without the help of a facilitator. However, even if you think you've decided everything, a good mediator will know where more detail is required for the marital dissolution agreement, ask questions that can strengthen a parenting plan, and insure balance in the discussion so that each person is heard. In mediation you both participate in crafting your divorce agreement. Attorneys will only meet with one party and may make suggestions about visitation plans or division of assets that are based on "what most people do". In mediation you create your own plan based on what makes sense to you and what fits your life and you will not be railroaded into a "typical" agreement. Mediation fees are generally lower than attorney's fees (unless you hire an attorney-mediator) and you have more flexibility then if you spend a couple of hours with an attorney to fill out forms. A mediator can also get you "attorney ready" so the time you spend with your attorney is put to the best use while the small details and grunt work have already been accomplished. You should have agreements reviewed by an attorney before signing them and you are always welcome to bring your attorney to the mediation or have them available by phone. You will not be required to make any decisions during a mediation that you are not prepared to make.
Call me now 865.236.1164 to discuss where you are in the process.
There is never a charge for phone consultations.
Knoxville, TN Divorce Mediation
There is never a charge for phone consultations.
Knoxville, TN Divorce Mediation
