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Mediation
A Child Advocacy Company
Bringing Support to Parents
Building Strength to Children
Disclaimer:  BS Kids LLC legal research and information has been prepared for educational and informational purposes only. This material is not legal advice or legal
opinions on any specific matters. Transmission of the information is not intended to create and receipt does not constitute a lawyer-client relationship between BS Kids
LLC , the author of the information and any other legal publisher. Customers of BS Kids should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.  The
opinions expressed in the material presented to BS Kids clientele is based on information found in legal publications.  BS Kids LLC, 78 Canterberry Court, Hudson, NH
03051 781-756-1214.
BS KIDS MEDIATION

BS KIDS is pleased to offer Mediation as part of the professional services offered to those involved
in a dispute or conflict. BS KIDS Mediation offers a constructive process for resolving differences
and conflicts between individuals and family members. The Mediation program is designed to help
people in conflict resolve their disputes and create their own solutions, using shared problem solving. A
neutral, third party, the mediator, helps participants reach an agreement that is both mutually fair and
reasonable. Additionally, the Mediation program empowers differences peacefully. BS KIDS is a
Nationally Certified Professional in Mediation.

How Mediation Works

Mediation is the process where people with differing views sit down with an impartial third party to
discuss issues they need help resolving. The mediator guides and facilitates conversations, helping
people to sort out their needs and interests. With the help of the mediator, the people involved
generate different options to meet those needs. Together, everyone arrives at workable solutions.
The mediator does not act as a judge, does not make decisions or impose solutions. All decisions come
from the people involved. The mediator doesn’t represent either party but is focused on the best
interest of the family. Mediation is a fast, fair and cost effective way to settle disputes that might
otherwise end up in court or requires additional involvement and resources.

The mediation process is voluntary and completely confidential. Mediators will not share anything you
tell them, either with family members or other people or agencies, unless you specifically ask them to.
Mediation empowers all participants during the mediation process. This means that if one person feels
afraid or less powerful than the other, the mediation will help balance the power through education,
training and equal time for all parties. This is the very essence of effective mediation.

Mediation sessions usually last 2-3 hours. Sometimes issues can be resolved in a single session;
sometimes additional sessions are needed. It all depends upon the nature of the dispute and how willing
each party is to working to that goal.

Mediation is a win-win process. It allows everyone involved to hear and understand each other.
Mediated agreements are mutually satisfying, reflecting the input of all parties. Most important,
people use mediation because it’s effective. On average, 75 to 90% of those people who choose to
mediate reach resolution.

During the Mediation process, the Mediators will not provide legal advice, but will provide general
information about the law, statutes and procedures of the Family Courts. The mediator will not provide
legal advice to either party. The Mediator will strongly suggest that each party have the agreement
reviewed by either an attorney or financial advisor prior to signing.

How Mediation Works

Orientation

The initial meeting is primarily an orientation to the process. During this time, all parties will have the
opportunity to learn more about the mediation process. The goal of the orientation session is to inform
the parties about the process, answer objections and inform the participants of what to expect during
the Mediation sessions. Prior to the initial meeting, all parties will receive a Mediation Intake form,
which will allow for the scheduling of the mediation sessions, an issue identification form and an
agreement to mediate. After the orientation session, the Mediation sessions will begin.

Mediation Sessions

Once the initial orientation and paperwork has been completed, the parties will meet with the mediator
to begin the sessions. During the Mediation, the mediators will ask questions in order to gain a clear
understanding of the dispute. Each person has the opportunity to tell their side of the story and is
encouraged to talk about their differences, their viewpoints and their ideas for resolving the conflict.
Together the mediator and the disputants work towards finding an agreement that meets the needs of
both parties. The number of mediation sessions varies upon the number of issues in dispute. The
parties may terminate mediation at any time; however, it is up to the parties to work towards the
solution which will work best to settle their conflict. Once these issues have been resolved, a
Memorandum of Understanding can be drawn up.

The Agreement

Once all parties are in agreement, the Mediator can draw up a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
for the parties. This is a reflection of the matters discussed and the agreement of the parties. At
that time, each party will receive a copy of the written agreement and are strongly encouraged to
review it with an attorney or financial advisor prior to signing it.

Mediation Costs

BS KIDS Mediation Program is structured as follows:

Initial Orientation:    No Charge

Initial Mediation Session   $ 100.00 per hour

Subsequent Mediation Session:  $ 75.00 per hour

Sessions usually run for one to two hours. A separate fee of $ 200.00 is charged for the preparation
of the Memorandum of Understanding. It is strongly recommended that both parties have the
Memorandum reviewed by an attorney or financial advisor. Payment is required at the conclusion of
each meeting.

* A payment plan is also available to those who qualify.

** Please note: BS KIDS is not considered *certified* for Family Mediation Services under the New
Hampshire requirements.

To set up an orientation session or for more information, please call BS KIDS at 781-756-1214.
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