Associates In Divorce, P.L.C.
A TEAM Approach to Divorce and Divorce Issues
Robert M. Hack President
PARENTING COORDINATOR – DIVORCE MEDIATOR –DIVORCE COACH
Office: (248) 335-6000 – Email: rmhack@comcast.net
Website: www.AssociatesInDivorce.com
32910 West 13 Mile Road, Suite D402, Farmington Hills, Mi 48334
The TEAM APPROACH To DIVORCE Mediation
Divorce Mediator Robert M. Hack brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to negotiating a fair and amicable divorce settlement.
What is the “Team Approach”?
I work closely, during the mediation process, with the participant’s attorneys and financial advisors. My goal is to help you make informed choices. This is the beauty of a team approach. I’m a psychologist specializing in marriage and family therapy who specializes in negotiation, communication, and the impact of divorce on children. I have sixteen years of experience with family law. I work closely with you during this process to help oversee the marital settlement agreement. In addition, your attorney will provide information regarding any new laws that may come up relevant to the case. I work with Family-Law Attorneys, Financial Planners, CPA’s, Real-estate Evaluators and QDRO experts, when their expertise is needed.
Why use a Divorce Mediator?
The Mediator’s role is to write up the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for both parties and their respective attorneys. The MOU summarizes the agreements reached between the two parties regarding physical and legal custody, support, parenting time issues and allocation of the financial assets and liabilities.
Unfortunately, divorce can be a messy, frustrating, and often costly experience. The system involves the courts, inevitable delays, attorneys, and legal fees, not to mention, the antagonistic and hostile environment associated with the court system. When a client work directly with a Divorce Mediator the costs are greatly lessened, which means that Mediation can save you up to 80% of the costs associated with a contested divorce.
Some other benefits of Divorce Mediation are:
• It can save time. The average divorce, with client cooperation can be settled in six to eight two-hour mediation sessions.
• Mediation is fair. The couple retains control and makes their own decisions about the future. Issues are resolved cooperatively and are not dictated by the court. Both spouses participate in all decisions.
• Mediation is effective. The non-threatening environment of Mediation reduces conflict. Compliance is high with mediated agreements because the couple is invested in the agreement.
• It is confidential. Discussions are private, avoiding public disclosure of personal information; therefore appearance in court is not necessary.
• Mediation can reduce conflict. Mediation avoids a situation where there is a winner and a loser. An agreement is achieved when a couple can reach a happy medium. This is especially beneficial when children are involved.
Why should a couple going through a marital crisis in their lives see a Psychologist-Mediator?
A psychologist’s strength his in the area of relationships, conflict resolution, and therapeutic techniques enhance the mediation process. This collaborative approach is a fresh alternative to the litigation process.
WHY MEDIATE?
1. SPEEDY
2. INFORMAL
3. FLEXIBLE
4. PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
5. MORE RESOLUTION OPTIONS
6. IT WORKS!
A. SETTLEMENT RATE > 75%
B. COMPLIANCE RATE = 90% (COMPARED TO 53% FOR VERDICTS)
C. 75% SETTLEMENT AT THE TABLE
7. SAVES TIME & COSTS of a LITIGATED CASE
a. TYPICAL COST OF AN ALL DAY DEPOSITION HOURS
– Preparation 3
– Taking of the Deposition 8
– Reviewing of the Deposition and summarizing 1
TOTAL TIME $12
TOTAL COST @ APPROX. $300/hour $3,600 +
b. COSTS OF AN AVERAGE MEDIATION HOURS
– Preparation 2
– Attending, Negotiations 6
TOTAL TIME 8
TOTAL COST @ $150/HOUR = $1,200
Sometimes a couple does not avail themselves of Divorce Mediation and consequently they might have contested post divorce issues, usually revolving around Parenting Issues. At that time the couple should enlist the services of a Trained Parenting Coordinator.