Meeting the Needs
 The Dearborn Mediation Center and Birmingham Mediation Center's Family Mediation Service exists to meet  the unique needs of couples and families who are in the process of separation or divorce. Its primary purposes  are to:

 - Minimize the negative effects on the separation and divorce experience upon the couple
   and their children
 - Reduce the conflict that is frequently a part of separation and divorce

 - Assist each spouse to negotiate a fair and equitable settlement of property, custody, and
   support issues

 - Promote post-divorce cooperation

 The Dearborn Mediation Center and Birmingham Mediation Center is staffed by an multi-disciplinary team of  legal and mental health professionals who are experienced in family law and family therapy, and specially trained  in mediation. In addition, the centers have established linkages with area attorneys, tax consultants, financial  planners, and pension valuation specialists whose expertise may be called upon as needed. They support the  mediation process while ensuring that each party's interests are protected.

 Seizing the Opportunity
 Mediation provides the opportunity for a husband and wife to work out the terms of their own separation or  divorce agreement in a safe environment with the assistance of a trained neutral third person. This neutral third  party does not render a decision, but helps the parties consider and/or develop alternatives to disputes  regarding custody, visitation, shared parenting, support, and the equitable division of property. 

 The Mediation Process

 - Supports non-adversarial approaches to the resolution of issues

 - Assists both parties to understand all of the issues - Works out creative solutions geared
   to the needs of the parties involved

 - Leaves control over resolutions with the parties rather than with attorneys, judges, or
   court personnel

 Reducing the Conflict
 Mediation is often helpful in working past the anger, conflict and loss associated with separation and divorce.  This process also can become the setting in which a sound foundation for the future may be established. This  results in minimizing the disruption in the lives of all family members. Experience has shown that settlements  reached through mediation are more likely to be accepted and honored by both parties than those reached  through the traditional adversarial process. Such agreements are also likely to be worked out more quickly and  at less expense.

 To initiate mediation, call either center at the number listed below. A staff member will talk with you and set up an  appointment with a mediator. There is no charge for the initial consultation. 

 Mediator

 Charles L. Nichols is an attorney and an experienced family mediator. He is a member of the National Academy  of Family Mediators and a past president of the Michigan Counsel for Family and Divorce Mediation. He is also  the founder and the executive director of the Birmingham Mediation Center, and the Dearborn Mediation Center,  and the president of Michigan Mediation Centers, Inc.

 Charles L. Nichols
 Attorney, Executive Director, Mediator