I have been a family lawyer for 25 years and have considerable experience in all modes of dispute resolution. Mediation and other forms of ADR are in my opinion a better alternative to court for all concerned but especially where there are children. The worst thing that parents can do for their children is remove the decision making ability from the people who know their children best and surrender that power to a stranger who has never met them. By way of contrast to court, mediation offers clients a calm, facilitated environment where they are given all the time they need to discuss all aspects of their separation and ultimately come to a resolution that is in everyone’s interest.