I mediate parenting plans on a fairy regular basis.
Good standards of practice for mediators requires the mediator to advise on the
NECESSITY of independent legal advice, right from the get-go.
However, many clients chose mediation seeking to avoid/escape the nightmares
they have heard about with regard to unscrupulous lawyers ratcheting up the
conflict and costs.
I explain that mediation does not replace the need for legal consultation and
that I as the mediator CANNOT provide legal advice.
In view of the above, I introduce the parties to Collaborative Law and then
give them a list of Collaboratively trained lawyers who will respect the
mediation process, yet advise the respective party of their legal issues,
rights and responsibilities.
I have found this to put my clients' minds to ease and improve the mediation
process.
Best,
Gary
Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW
Interaction Consultants and I Promise Program Inc.
20 Suter Crescent,
Dundas, Ontario, Canada L9H 6R5
(905) 628-4847
gary@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Parenting: www.yoursocialworker.com
Teen safe driving: www.ipromiseprogram.com
Gary Direnfeld is a social worker and expert on matters of family life. Courts
in Ontario, Canada, have deemed Gary an expert on child development,
parent-child relations, marital and family therapy, custody and access
recommendations, social work and an expert for the purpose of giving a critique
on a Section 112 (social work) report.
Services include counselling, mediation, assessments, assessment critiques and
workshops. Go to his website to read his many articles and view clips of
television and radio appearances: www.yoursocialworker.com
