Facilitative Family Mediation

Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. Mediators are required to remain neutral and do not make recommendations or impose opinions. Upon completion of mediation, the mediator can draft a Memorandum of Agreement (or summary) outlining the parties’ agreements.

Mediation often helps parties solve disputes outside of court and can provide parties with greater satisfaction and control over the outcomes of their case. It can create stronger long-lasting agreements, save time and money, and support healthy communication and conflict resolution. Reducing parental stress and conflict has significant positive impacts on future outcomes for children. Therefore, mediation is often ordered by the court and considered a preferred resource for families during separation, divorce, or post-decree situations.

  Facilitative Mediation

Facilitative mediation is considered a traditional model of mediation  and is often used in divorce, family law, and post-decree matters. It is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) often required in most family court proceedings. The mediator facilitates negotiation between parties to support settlement and resolution of conflict. The mediator facilitates the process while the parties remain in control of creating mutually agreed upon outcomes. There is an emphasis on empowerment, self-determination, and interest-based negotiation to achieve mutually agreed upon solutions.

Restorative Family Mediation™

Restorative Family Mediation™ integrates many of the foundational principles of facilitative mediation including self-determination, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. It follows the legal parameters outlined in Rule 114 of the MN General Rules of Practice. Additionally, the Restorative Family Mediation™ approach places a strong emphasis on restoring peace, understanding each person's perspective, and focusing on the quality of relationships between people. 

There are several characteristics that set Restorative Family Mediation™ apart from other models of mediation. The timing and pacing of sessions are often uniquely structured to meet individualized needs. There may be multiple shorter sessions to allow parties time to access additional resources or support as needed or to implement agreements with the opportunity to resume the on-going resolution process. It is also generally conducted in a talking circle format that facilitates conversation and dialogue about each parties’ concerns, interests, and ideas. There is an emphasis on not only creating agreements, but on restoring peace within ones’ self and/or within strained or conflictual relationships.  The diverse approach allows for the flexible and broad utilization of mediation tailored to address many different family situations such as: foster care/adoption/child welfare, parenting time issues, military family issues, 3rd party visitation, blended family conflict, substance use or mental health concerns, couples needs, elder care, youth/teen conflict, safety planning, truancy, and neighborhood disputes. 

Kirstina was trained in facilitative mediation by Karen Irvin LMFT through The Mediation Center. She was also trained in Restorative Family Mediation™ by Lisa Welter though the Katallasso Group. 

Kirstina is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the MN General Rules of Practice for the District Courts and is on the MN roster of facilitative/hybrid Alternative Dispute Resolution professionals .