The year was 1996. A Canadian singer named Alanis Morissette had a hit song that still brings a smile to my face today. I find it's application in the Courthouse applicable in 2010 and yes, "Isn't It Ironic….don't ya think"? So where's the irony? Follow me down this rabbit hole.
I am a conflict resolution specialist. Whether it involves helping an individual figure out their small claims lawsuit, creating a time-sharing schedule for parents in a family and divorce mediation or even mediating the termination of parental rights in a dependency case, I am here on what might be an individual's darkest day. My job is to facilitate conversation and help resolve conflict. My job is to communicate and get clarification on issues so that peace can exist and the disputes will end.
I am only a small part of a big machine, but I play an important role. So who else is part of this machine? There are judges, assistants, clerks, secretaries, case workers and security staff to name a few. These people all play a role in the machine called our justice system. If there is a breakdown in communication, then the entire machine could slow down or even fail. Too often, there are breakdowns in communication within each of these departments daily and also between these various departments. We are all SUPPOSED to be on the same team. If there is an us against them mentality, then "them" would be the parties, the litigants and the citizens who go to the court daily.
The courthouse ADR department, is SUPPOSED to set the example of good communication. The courthouse ADR department needs to not only have good communication with the parties, but they SHOULD have good communication amongst themselves. I used to be a contract mediator in the courthouse and I didn't even know everyone in my own department. There is so much to learn from one another yet most mediators were stingy with their knowledge and communication. If problems arise within or even between departments, i.e…. if a mediator has a question about an agreement, he or she should not hesitate to ask for help. If a case worker knows that a judge has a issue with something contained within an agreement, then since everyone is SUPPOSED to be on the same team, that case worker should not hesitate to inform the mediator so that the issue can be immediately fixed. In return, the mediator should not take offense to any and all constructive criticism. So here it comes……Isn't It Ironic….don't ya think that there is a breakdown of communication with people who are supposed to be communication experts.
The courthouse has failed in their communication between departments. They have failed in their effectiveness of their mediation. Most are there simply to pull a paycheck. We needed to all get along and realize that we were all in this together, but that did not happen.
The courthouse has proved time and time again to be INEFFECTIVE yet it is a necessary component for those who cannot afford private mediation….until now.
We are family law mediators and we are a cost conscious and cost considerate company that was formed to help everyone through their difficult times. We are now offering courthouse rates to those who qualify so visit our website or call us today to find out more.
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