After spending most of my child's life in the family Court system in a high conflict divorce and post-decree co-parenting dynamic, I knew there was a better way. I'm dedicating my efforts to helping families stay out of the Family Court system. Our family was mandated into the Bridging Parental Conflict course at The Bridging Center. It was here I finally saw why so many families get mired in high-conflict. It's because our judicial system is designed to keep us at odds with each other. Once lawyers are involved, often families end up in a game of posturing and they no longer have control of their outcomes. Often, it is the lawyers who are now in control and their best interest is not always aligned with yours.  When the parties can't find agreement and settle their disputes, then it is a Judge who decides their fate, and that of their children. I like to tell people I know who are going through the process of divorce that at any given time during the process they can opt to sit down with the other party and settle some or all of thier differences. The Family Judicial System is not set up to let that happen. Mediation is an opportunity for two parties to self determine their outcomes rather than lawyers and Judges. Through the involvement of a trained neutral third party, the parties can reach agreement on their issues. Especially in the case of families with children, I like to frame the negotiations as a new beginning for your family as co-parents. Uplifting the raising of your children as the most important goal, hopefully we can build on that commonality.