NCJ Number
96520
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Issue: 6 Dated: (December 1984) Pages: 27-46
Date Published
1984
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The chapter defines the interdisciplinary team model, explores the theoretical framework, outlines procedures in practice, and assesses effectiveness.
Abstract
It focuses on the male-female, attorney-therapist conjoint mediating team in which the mediators meet together with the couple on an individual case-by-case basis. The therapist focuses on helping the parties to understand each other, identify what is important to each, determine the real issues, and deal with the emotions and underlying conflicts that may interfere with negotiation. The lawyer provides information about statutes, case law, and local judicial tradition. The function of the team and the level of involvement of each team member in a given case is influenced by three factors: the stage of the mediation process, the state of the emotional separation and divorce adjustment, and the complexity of the assets. Four people provide symmetry that can minimize triangling, help to maintain impartiality, equalize bargaining power, and divide the labor. The most obvious advantage of interdisciplinary mediation is the expertise of both professionals. Profiles of couples who seem most likely to benefit from the team approach are outlined. Twelve references are listed.