Formats

Under construction.

Co-mediation follows the single-mediator format – is conducted in the same way as a mediation conducted by a single mediator – except there are two mediators.

The co-mediators work together and are both present for, or participate in, all communications with all of the parties; the co-mediators do not work individually with any party. This preserves the neutrality of the co-mediators as to all parties, and the integrity of the mediation.

Co-mediation offers the potential of complementary perspectives on the conflict, and the course of the mediation, and perhaps complementary stylistic approaches, or strengths, in the co-mediators; for example, one mediator may be more analytical, and the other more intuitive. The participation of two mediators may also minimize the effect of, or compensate for, a potential blind side, whether gender-based or otherwise, of a single mediator.

The latter suggests what is, in Mr. Riviera’s view, perhaps the greatest advantage of co-mediation: the opportunity to use co-mediators of differing genders. In his experience, co-mediation utilizing mediators of different genders is a particularly effective format for conflicts arising primarily out of personal relationships between the parties; for example, in the areas of family and divorce, or business or other partnerships between individuals.

If the co-mediators work well together – if they are truly complementary – co-mediation can be very successful, avoiding impasse between the parties, and developing and sustaining an energy to the mediation, and level of insight, that can be transformative. If the co-mediators do not work well together, however, the mediation can be fundamentally compromised, not yielding the results it could and should have, and even fail.

Co-mediation is generally more expensive on an hourly rate basis, but has the potential to move the conflict toward resolution faster and more smoothly, with all parties feeling heard, as compensation.

Mr. Riviera co-mediates most frequently in the area of family and divorce, and only with a co-mediator of his selection (approved, of course, by the parties) and of different gender.

Under construction.

In addition to mediation services, whether in the single-mediator, co-mediation, or integrative mediation format, Riviera Mediation provides consulting services to parties endeavoring to divorce or resolve a dispute on their own.

Such services may take the form of legal advice; helping the parties work through a particular sticking point in their negotiation (i.e., limited-issue mediating); assisting with procedural aspects of, and required filings for, divorce; or, once an agreement is largely reached, whether in divorce or any other kind of conflict, documenting the parties' agreement: or, on behalf of one party, reviewing, or negotiating particular language of, a settlement agreement prepared by an attorney representing another party.

Mr. Riviera also serves as a consulting attorney to parties mediating their divorce with another mediator. Finally, Mr. Riviera consults with parties preparing for a mediation, whether divorce or other conflict, with another mediator.

Under construction.