|
NBC-5 interview with Nesita Kwan to discuss the benefits
and success of divorce mediation.
|
Divorce mediators Robert Brass and Laura Rosenberg of Robert Brass & Associates were recently interviewed by Nesita Kwan of Chicago’s NBC-5 to discuss the benefits and success of divorce mediation. Unfortunately, in today’s uncertain economy, many unhappy couples think that they can't afford to get divorced and don't realize that they have options. As Nesita learned during the segment, divorce mediation is not only much more affordable than a litigated divorce, but its focus is on bringing people together, working with the couple to find a peaceful resolution, and helping them move forward. Most importantly, it allows the couple to maintain control over the divorce and come to an agreement that works best for them, and on their terms. For more information about the divorce mediation process and how it works, please give us a call.
|
|
August 11, 2009
By ERICA BERINGER Staff intern
"We can't afford to get divorced!"
This familiar phrase is one divorce mediators Robert Brass and Laura Rosenberg have heard alot of lately.
"It's a common misconception," says Brass of Buffalo Grove-based Robert Brass and Associates. "Divorce mediation is the best, most affordable way for families to work out their issues, especially if their children are involved."
According to Brass, the economy has driven more people to use mediation. In traditional divorce litigation, the only one making money is the lawyer. Attorney's fees can total up to $50,000. Mediation costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
"Finances are difficult for people," Rosenberg said.
Mediation is a round table discussion between the two spouses and the mediator, who essentially referees. Mediators remain neutral and impartial on issues and facilitate a free and open exchange of information between both parties. Mediators also help couples create a Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement that both spouses decide best benefits themselves and their family.
Mediation allows couples to stay in control of their divorce. In traditional litigation, attorneys represent their clients. Each time a change needs to be made to the divorce agreement, couples must get in touch with their attorneys and are billed by the hour.
Mediation can be the quickest, most affordable option, they said.
Robert Brass and Associates' research shows that mediating couples are committed to working together for the benefit of their children, more likely to be satisfied with the process and results, more likely to take less time and spend less money, and less likely to go back to court at a later time to fight about something else.
Brass and Rosenberg especially feel that mediation is the best way to keep peace in a family.
"When we ask clients why they choose mediation, they will almost always say, 'Because we care about our kids,'" Rosenberg said. "Couples will look at the bigger picture and realize they care what's best for their family."
In a preliminary meeting, couples will sign a Joint Parenting Agreement (JPA), a proposed plan for the sharing of custodial and child care responsibilities and describing custodial and visitation residential periods.
"Parents are usually on the same page with their child's interests," Brass explained. "A JPA is a peaceful resolution that will benefit the children and helps the parents move forward."
Even after a divorce has been finalized, a judge will refer families to mediators for counseling services.
"Divorce is an ugly thing," said Rosenberg.
|
|
Conversations in Commerce
A monthly Q&A with North Shore business owners
Divorce mediators, Robert Brass and
Laura Rosenberg (who is also a licensed
clinical professional counselor) work with
couples to help negotiate a fair, friendly
and collaborative divorce. As neutral
facilitators, Robert and Laura guide their
clients toward finding a peaceful resolution
and help them move forward without
the stress (and high fees) associated with
traditional divorce litigation.
Q: Tell us a work experience from
which you learned a valuable lesson.
Robert: I learned early to listen to the
client’s needs. Most business people are
too busy trying to sell their products or
talking about themselves.
Laura: When I was doing my internship
for my Masters degree, I worked with a
lot of disadvantaged families. One in particular
was living in a very small motel
room with two adults and three small
kids. My supervisor wanted me to focus
on their dysfunction and help them with
it. But I felt strongly that I needed to
acknowledge their strengths first. I mean
really: Living together in one small room
and not killing each other was a huge
strength. As soon as I pointed that out to
them the whole atmosphere changed.
They felt better about themselves and I
always remembered that moment.
Q: How did you start in business?
Robert: I became a mediator through the
experience of myself and friends going
through divorce. Seeing so many divorcing
couples giving all their money to
lawyers, I knew there had to be a better
way to get divorced. It’s the old story, a
divorce lawyer’s kids are going to an Ivy
League school thanks to their client, but
the client’s kids can’t afford to go to a
community college after the divorce.
Laura: I am a counselor in Private
Practice and my preference is to help families
stay together. But, when that isn’t
possible, I saw the aftermath of families
ripped apart by ugly divorces. I took a
mediation course years ago, but wasn’t
ready to add that to my business. When
my dear friend, Robert, told me he was
making a career switch to Divorce
Mediation I was thrilled. The timing was
right for our partnership to begin.
Q: You are most proud of which business
aspect?
Robert: Helping children. Divorcing couples
save money using mediation that
they can use for there children. Since
becoming a mediator, I’ve become a child
advocate in regards to divorce. We help
couples get divorced and plan for their
children’s education and financial needs.
Laura: Helping divorcing couples see
that, despite the pain, anger and resentment
they may have, they can mediate. In
fact, those feelings can, and will, subside.
I love helping couples realize there is a
light at the end of the emotional tunnel,
and it is possible to parent together and
even, in many cases, be friendly and still
be a family for the sake of not only their
kids….but themselves.
Q: Given unlimited resources, what, if
anything, would you change about your
business/industry?
Robert: I would help inform couple seeking
divorce that they should consider
using mediation. Most divorcing couples
don’t realize that the option exists.
Laura: I agree with Robert about getting
the word out about mediating divorce.
The fact is that many marriages will end
in divorce. That being said, it has become
a natural life transitional step. With my
background in counseling, I really think
mediation is the best way to help a family
ease through this difficult transition.
To read the full transcript, log onto
WhatsHappeningOnline.com.
|
To learn more about how our Divorce Mediation Practice can help you, please contact us today. We help clients throughout Cook County, Lake County, Illinois (IL)--including: Chicago, Skokie, Northbrook, Northfield, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Lake Bluff, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Lincolnshire, Glenview, Naperville, Schaumburg, Libertyville to name a few.
|
|
