Top Professional Services in Rome, GA 30161
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Parenting Facilitator--A labor of love!
I serve as a domestic and family law mediator. But, I am also a certified parenting facilitator and find that this is one role that is rewarding in more ways than one. Being able to reconcile parents of children who no longer live together starts with revisiting the issue that at one time the parents had more than they presently do--friendship. Indeed, the type of friendship may be defined differently, it is usually done so by one thing the parents share and will continue to share--the best interest of their children. It is a pleasure to offer the services to those in and around the Rome and NW Georgia area, as court is not always the answer. In fact, it can be costly, drawn out, and affect the children in a negative way. Usually, most parents do not realize the various forms of alienation that come up or that one may be doing unknowingly. Being able to share lectures from some of the leading experts in the field, most of whom have been through divorce and have children, common ground can be found. Also, the manual that goes along with the DVDs has the most current information as well as the workbook that allows each parent to exercise and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of existing relationships with the children and the other parent. In closing, seeing parents come into the office separately with guarded body language at first that eventually turns into an ability to clear the air and leave together makes me feel that my work has been done. Although it may not be therapy, per se, so many have told me the process of going through a parenting plan with the other one present is personally therapeutic ...read more
By North Georgia Mediation, Inc. March 04, 2012
Mediating instead of litigating...
One of the greatest feelings is to be able to help resolve a dispute between parties by allowing them to keep control of the situation. Often, I have heard it said that we live in a litigious society. However, as true as this may or may not be, we live in a society that is not aware of alternative means to resolve disputes. Mediation is continuing to grow and has expanded into our community. The need to educate professionals and laypersons is vital. Mediation allows private matters to stay out of the public eye. Many folks, especially those new to town, are astonished by the "Roman Record" and how it seems like everyone knows everything about one another. Sometimes this isn't a bad thing, but when it involves issues involving disputes between loved ones, neighbors, or even employers, there are some thing that are best left private. Mediators help facilitate this and make it clear that confidentiality is a must. I have enjoyed being a mediator because even though I have legal and business training by education and experience, it is not necessary that these be utilized. In fact, an ethical mediator does not give legal or financial advice since he serves as a neutral party to a situation. Instead, I'm able to let the parties come up with their own solutions and can give creative ways of thinking in order to help them along the way. This takes the fear out of uncertainty and also does away with the need for people to be forced to take their disputes into a courtroom setting where the first thing that is done when one enters the building is a security check. Somehow this doesn't seem conducive to getting a conflict resolved and can instead make one more anxious. Our courts have really supported mediation and continue to do so. In fact, many cases are required to go before a mediator before it can be tried. This is partly because of the plethora of criminal cases that must take precedence as a matter of safety for our society. Unfortunately, this can leave little time for the judges to devote to civil matters and such can stay on the court's calendars for month and even years. On the other hand, mediation allows each party to have his or her say in a professional forum with or without an attorney. This can save time and thousands of dollars to the parties and often the outcome is one where everyone has a part of the solution, which isn't the case if it goes before a judge or twelve strangers. Mediation can be useful in so many areas of business, too. Often, there are times when partners disagree and this can escalate and cause harsh feelings between otherwise good friends and lost revenue for the inability to work together. Rather than involving a team of attorneys and pulling a judge off of a more important matter, a mediator can sit down with the two face to face and work to a compromise. Most of the time it can be as easy as figuring out where there has been miscommunication or a misunderstanding where if it remains isolated and not addressed, it festers and puts the partners at further odds. So, I see where it is also good for business relationships, not including matters involving legal disputes. If you or someone you know or love have a dispute or conflict that needs to be resolved, please consider mediation and the benefits it can provide. North Georgia Mediation is the only private mediation firm in Rome and has been in business over a decade. We are always willing to answer any questions or provide references of people who have had a positive experience. Give us a call at 706-235-6770 and leave a message. We will be more than glad to return your call and be ready to assist in any way. So, don't litigate, MEDIATE!!! Jason Stephens, M.B.A., J.D. President and Sr. Mediator North Georgia Mediation 109 W. 8th Ave. Rome, GA 30161 (706) 235-6770 jason@ngamediation.com ...read more
By North Georgia Mediation, Inc. October 05, 2011