Alternative Dispute Resolution

Divorces and post-decree cases can be emotionally charged, and draining.  For parents and caregivers in a dispute, this is especially true because the conflict concerns the children that they’re caring for – and there’s nothing more important to people than their children. 

Parents seeking to lighten or avoid the emotional and financial burden often experienced when they are locked in conflict or the threat of litigation may turn to mediation to bring an end to all, or part, of their family-related disputes.  The parents can be the authors of that family-focused and child-centered compromise; and ultimately, the authors of their parenting plan or other binding agreements. 

Dr. Anderson has trained in the areas of divorce mediation and family mediation.  She has worked with families and parents extensively for more than 20 years, in a variety of roles – as family therapist, as a parenting consultant, as child consultant (in child-inclusive mediation), and as parenting coach.  All of these roles guide her work to help parents reach better mediated solutions for themselves and their families.

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is a time-limited, focused process developed to assist separated or divorced parents who are interested in finding resolution in a manner that addresses given circumstances while supporting the children.  The process involves a Mediator and a Child Consultant.  The role of the Child Consultant is to understand and highlight the children’s perspective.  In addition to mediation, Dr. Anderson also supports parents and children as the Child Consultant as parents are addressing an issue within the parenting consulting process. 

A Parenting Consultant (PC) can mediate a disagreement by scheduling either separate or joint meetings.  When parents are not able to reach an agreement, the PC makes decisions for them – but without the formality, cost, and delay of litigation in family court proceedings.  Co-parenting issues can range from managing aspects that were not contemplated at the time the parenting plan was developed, to guiding step-up schedules, or monitoring either mental health or chemical dependency issues.