WHAT IF THERE IS A HISTORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR ABUSE?
A. Domestic abuse and violence are serious concerns. You are strongly encouraged to respond honestly to questions regarding a history of such violence, existing protective orders, and safety concerns. If no protective order prevents you from meeting for mediation, and if both parties honestly feel safe to negotiate free from fear of actual violence or abuse, FAIR CHANGE can mediate your divorce. If, however, there exists a current fear of violence or abuse, FAIR CHANGE will refer you to a mediator who has received special training to evaluate whether mediation should occur under such circumstances. If that mediator concludes mediation may proceed, s/he will also determine how best to conduct the mediation with the parties’ safety and ability to negotiate free from fear as primary concerns.
