Dakota Counseling & Mediation - Lori Redlinger, MS, LPC
MEDIATION SERVICES
Mediation is an alternative form of conflict resolution. Rather than using the legal system to resolve disputes,
people hire a mediator to facilitate the process of working through differences in a productive
manner.
My Philosophy
- I believe mediation is an effective way to help conflicted couples learn to communicate and cooperate so
their children's lives will be happier and healthier post-divorce.
- I believe the legal system is not equipped to help families through the emotional aspect of
divorce.
- I believe the adversarial process of divorce leads to continued conflict, resentment and power struggles,
often for years to come.
- I believe everyone should attempt mediation first, before going through the adversarial route.
- I believe mediation is a viable alternative form of conflict resolution in the work-place, for family
business issues and other family disagreements.
Types of Issues Commonly Resolved by Using a Mediator
Listed below are examples of situations where the use of a mediator can effectively and efficiently resolve the
conflict.
- Divorce
- Property Settlements
- Co-Parenting Schedules
- Child Support Issues
- Family Disputes
- Relational issues Between Family Members
- Decisions for Aging Parents
- Inheritance Decisions/Disputes
- Family Business Issues
- Succession Decisions
- Relationship Issues Between Siblings and/or Parents
- Work-Place Conflicts
- Employee/Employer Issues
- Employee/Employee Issues
Advantages of Mediation
Listed below are some of the many advantages of using a mediator to resolve disputes.
- The mediator focuses on moving towards a solution rather than dwelling on the problems
- The mediator is a neutral party and declines to take one side or the other.
- The mediator keeps the power of the decision-making process where it belongs - with the parties directly
involved.
- The mediator respects the opinions of all parties and each party involved has a voice in the solution.
- A retainer fee is generally not required.
- The mediator keeps the parties focused on the task at hand, manages the conduct of all parties, and keeps
record of all decisions made during the process.
The Ideal Mediation Candidate
You are a good candidate for mediation if:
- You are actively involved in a conflict.
- You desire a resolution to the conflict.
- You are willing to site down with the other party in order to work through the disagreement.
"Lori -
You have really helped us see some things that we weren't seeing before. Lori, we are truly grateful to
you."
"Mediation is a process that benefited our whole family. You helped us see past the hurt and anger, and then
focus on what was most important - our children. We were able to come together as a divorcing couple and create an
environment that best fit the needs of our children."
"Mediation helped me with a very nasty custody battle. It cut my time and costs in half of what it would
have
been through an attorney/court. I would refer mediation to anyone with divorce/custody issues at any time. Thanks
Lori."
"Lori -
I want to thank you for helping us take an out of control child custody issue and helping the families resolve it.
We went from families not talking to each other (except through attorneys) and a child that was rebelling and upset
to a parenting plan that works for the child. We have a much happier child and that's what it's all about. Again,
thank you for helping us all focus on the child's happiness and welfare. I highly recommend Lori's expertise as a
mediator. Thanks again."

Co-Parenting Homework
PDF | Word
Mediation Questionnaire
PDF | Word
Formal Rules for Mediation
PDF | Word
