Nancy Reddish, Director
Educational Advocate
Family Mediator M.G.L. ch233 Sec. 23C
Life Insurance Specialist for special needs
Serving the Massachusetts area
978-809-3134
Nreddish@comcast.net
Educational Advocate
Family Mediator M.G.L. ch233 Sec. 23C
Life Insurance Specialist for special needs
Serving the Massachusetts area
978-809-3134
Nreddish@comcast.net
Special Needs Advocacy
of New England
Family Mediation
It is a rare conflict in which anyone is fully aware
of all the issues involved and an even rarer conflict in which one side holds all the moral turf....Don Baker
Do you have a family member with special needs? If so, then the support of family is often necessary throughout that person's lifetime. Families with special needs concerns face additional stressors when making decisions on how to best care for their special needs loved-one.
Mediation helps families and/or couples to maneuver the fragile path from conflict to resolution so as to arrive at a unified and sensible agreement designed to the unique needs of each family. Our focus is to work diligently to ensure open dialog within structured and time-tested mediation guidelines. We have a solid understanding of special needs and respect the responsibility that the job as caretaker entails. Our goal is to guide the family through the mediation process so as to arrive at a mutual resolution with a carefully drafted agreement for legal council to implement. We believe that family disputes should be dealt with in a way designed to preserve people's dignity and promote agreement.
Frequently asked questions about the mediation process.
What is Mediation?
Mediation offers an affordable, cost effect alternative to potentially damaging court proceedings. It involves people meeting together in a neutral place with an independent mediator. We also use the co-mediation model when necessary which is dependent on group size, level of conflict and/or number of issues to be resolved.
What is the co-mediation model?
Co-mediation consists of 2 certified mediators who participate in the mediation process. Both mediators are present for all group and private discussions. This enables the mediators to properly mediate through numerous concerns or with larger groups. Co-mediation has proven to work extremely well when addressing special needs resolution in divorce or in family groups.
What is the role of the Mediator?
Mediators are certified in advance mediation training. We also have extensive experience in the special needs field. The mediator is an independent, neutral person who manages the meetings and ensures that all parties have an equal voice. The mediator helps the parties to process the dynamics of all issues and prepares the agreement. Agreements can be used for the family's personal use or as a legally binding court order.
How does Mediation work?
1) The mediation process begins with each party participating in a phone conference with the Mediation Intake Coordinator. Getting a better understanding of all the issues will help us to design the mediation process for your specific needs and your desired for outcome. The Intake Coordinator will explain the mediation process to you and can answer any questions you may have.
2) The first session will include all parties in a group format. While we encourage this first step to be in a group format, we also understand that this may not be a viable option for some family situations. Special meeting arrangements will be made under these circumstances.
3) After meeting as a group, the mediators meet privately with each family party and caretakers in a confidential setting.
4) Progress is then discussed with the family/caretakers who make a determination about coming back together as a whole, or the group may choose to continue in private sessions.
5) Mediation is complete once a mutually agreeable decision is made, and a contract/agreement is written by the mediator.
How can I discuss my concerns privately rather than in a family group?
While we encourage group participation, we understand that his is not always a viable option for some families which is why we also arrange for each party to meet with the mediators in a private and confidential setting.
Who makes the final decision on the mediated issues?
A mediator does not "make" the decisions. The mediators special needs knowledge and a structured resolution model enable the mediator to guide the family through the process. This helps the family to find the resolution that is specific to their needs. Agreements are a reflection of the families' united efforts.
How do we know the mediation agreement is a legally binding contract?
Mediators cannot give legal advice about your own legal rights. We are there to help the family arrive at a resolution and create a precise agreement . This agreement should be reviewed by separate legal council. We can work with the attorney of your choice or provide you with a list of preferred "mediation friendly" attorneys who can then file this agreement with the court as a legally binding contract.
What are the costs involved in mediation?
Rather than retaining separate council for all parties, mediation is typically a cost share among the participants. Hourly rates are affordable and less costly than attorney fees. Mediation focuses on resolution and unified agreements rather than litigation.
Please feel free to send us your mediation questions. ...Contact Page
of all the issues involved and an even rarer conflict in which one side holds all the moral turf....Don Baker
Do you have a family member with special needs? If so, then the support of family is often necessary throughout that person's lifetime. Families with special needs concerns face additional stressors when making decisions on how to best care for their special needs loved-one.
Mediation helps families and/or couples to maneuver the fragile path from conflict to resolution so as to arrive at a unified and sensible agreement designed to the unique needs of each family. Our focus is to work diligently to ensure open dialog within structured and time-tested mediation guidelines. We have a solid understanding of special needs and respect the responsibility that the job as caretaker entails. Our goal is to guide the family through the mediation process so as to arrive at a mutual resolution with a carefully drafted agreement for legal council to implement. We believe that family disputes should be dealt with in a way designed to preserve people's dignity and promote agreement.
Frequently asked questions about the mediation process.
What is Mediation?
Mediation offers an affordable, cost effect alternative to potentially damaging court proceedings. It involves people meeting together in a neutral place with an independent mediator. We also use the co-mediation model when necessary which is dependent on group size, level of conflict and/or number of issues to be resolved.
What is the co-mediation model?
Co-mediation consists of 2 certified mediators who participate in the mediation process. Both mediators are present for all group and private discussions. This enables the mediators to properly mediate through numerous concerns or with larger groups. Co-mediation has proven to work extremely well when addressing special needs resolution in divorce or in family groups.
What is the role of the Mediator?
Mediators are certified in advance mediation training. We also have extensive experience in the special needs field. The mediator is an independent, neutral person who manages the meetings and ensures that all parties have an equal voice. The mediator helps the parties to process the dynamics of all issues and prepares the agreement. Agreements can be used for the family's personal use or as a legally binding court order.
How does Mediation work?
1) The mediation process begins with each party participating in a phone conference with the Mediation Intake Coordinator. Getting a better understanding of all the issues will help us to design the mediation process for your specific needs and your desired for outcome. The Intake Coordinator will explain the mediation process to you and can answer any questions you may have.
2) The first session will include all parties in a group format. While we encourage this first step to be in a group format, we also understand that this may not be a viable option for some family situations. Special meeting arrangements will be made under these circumstances.
3) After meeting as a group, the mediators meet privately with each family party and caretakers in a confidential setting.
4) Progress is then discussed with the family/caretakers who make a determination about coming back together as a whole, or the group may choose to continue in private sessions.
5) Mediation is complete once a mutually agreeable decision is made, and a contract/agreement is written by the mediator.
How can I discuss my concerns privately rather than in a family group?
While we encourage group participation, we understand that his is not always a viable option for some families which is why we also arrange for each party to meet with the mediators in a private and confidential setting.
Who makes the final decision on the mediated issues?
A mediator does not "make" the decisions. The mediators special needs knowledge and a structured resolution model enable the mediator to guide the family through the process. This helps the family to find the resolution that is specific to their needs. Agreements are a reflection of the families' united efforts.
How do we know the mediation agreement is a legally binding contract?
Mediators cannot give legal advice about your own legal rights. We are there to help the family arrive at a resolution and create a precise agreement . This agreement should be reviewed by separate legal council. We can work with the attorney of your choice or provide you with a list of preferred "mediation friendly" attorneys who can then file this agreement with the court as a legally binding contract.
What are the costs involved in mediation?
Rather than retaining separate council for all parties, mediation is typically a cost share among the participants. Hourly rates are affordable and less costly than attorney fees. Mediation focuses on resolution and unified agreements rather than litigation.
Please feel free to send us your mediation questions. ...Contact Page
