Mediation can help families make decision around important issues such as:
Family mediation creates a structured and supported setting for difficult conversations. Ben Stich serves as a neutral facilitator, helping family members prepare for the process, communicate more effectively, understand different perspectives, and determine what—if anything—they would like to do next.
Some family mediations are solution and problem-solving focused. For others, the most valuable outcome is a clearer understanding of what happened, what matters to each person, or what may be needed for future communication.
The process starts with a complimentary 30-minute consultation. You can explain what is happening in your family, learn how mediation works, and ask questions about the process.
The process generally begins with Ben meeting individually with each participant. These conversations help Ben understand each person’s perspective, goals, concerns, and hopes for mediation.
The individual meetings also provide an opportunity to prepare for the emotional and communication demands of a joint conversation. Preparation may include:
The next step is for Ben to facilitate a family conversations. He helps create a respectful structure, makes space for each person’s perspective, and supports participants when communication becomes difficult.
The purpose of the conversation depends on the family and the circumstances. Participants may want to:
Ben does not determine who is right–rather, he empowers the family to determine the best path forward.
Some conversations lead to decisions, agreements, or specific next steps. Others provide greater clarity, reduce misunderstanding, or help participants communicate about an issue that previously felt impossible to discuss.
Participants may decide to continue mediation, take time to reflect, consult another professional, or conclude the process without making an agreement. The family members remain responsible for determining what feels appropriate.
When requested and appropriate, Ben may summarize decisions, shared understandings, communication plans, or next steps in writing.
Depending on the issues involved, participants may choose to review the summary with attorneys, financial professionals, therapists, elder-care professionals, or other advisors. Ben does not provide legal advice or make decisions for the family.
Family mediation is a structured process in which a neutral mediator facilitates difficult conversations among family members. It can help families communicate more effectively, understand different points of view, address damaged relationships, or discuss and make important decisions.
No. Problem solving is helpful in some mediations, but it is not the only meaningful outcome. A facilitated conversation may help family members feel heard, understand the conflict more clearly, improve communication, clarify boundaries, or determine what support they need going forward.
Mediation can address adult sibling conflict, decisions involving an aging parent, intra-family disagreements between siblings and/or parents, parent–teen conflict, family finances, estate-planning conversations, family-business disagreements, co-parenting concerns, and damaged family relationships.
Mediation may also be helpful when family members know they need to have a difficult conversation but are unsure how to begin it.
Individual meetings help each person prepare for the joint conversation. They allow participants to discuss their goals and concerns, anticipate emotionally difficult moments, recognize communication patterns, and consider what may help them express themselves and listen effectively.
These meetings also help Ben understand the family dynamics and design a process in which each participant has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
No. Ben remains neutral and does not determine who is right or wrong. His role is to support the conversation, help everyone communicate clearly, and ensure that different perspectives can be expressed and considered.
Yes, mediation is a private process.
No, therapy and mediation are different. Therapy may address mental health, emotional patterns, diagnoses, or relationships over time. Mediation focuses on facilitating communication about a particular conflict, relationship, or family concern.
Mediation can include emotionally meaningful conversations, but it is not a substitute for mental-health treatment. Mediation and therapy may sometimes complement one another.
Yes, when appropriate and agreed upon by everyone. Family members may also consult attorneys, therapists, financial advisors, accountants, elder-care professionals, or other specialists outside mediation.
Ben does not provide legal advice and may encourage participants to obtain independent professional guidance when it would support working through the process in an informed way.
Strong emotions are common during family mediation. The individual preparation meetings help participants anticipate and prepare for difficult moments.
During joint conversations, Ben can slow the discussion, clarify what is being communicated, take breaks, or adjust the structure when appropriate. The goal is not to eliminate emotion, but to help participants remain able to communicate and listen.
The number and length of sessions depend on the number of participants, the history of the conflict, the emotional intensity of the conversation, and what the family hopes to address. Some families need a focused conversation, while others benefit from a series of meetings.
Yes. Virtual mediation allows family members to participate from different homes, cities, or states. Online sessions can be especially useful when travel, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or family tension make meeting in one location difficult.
If you would like a free half-hour consultation, view availability and schedule online.
If you have any questions about our mediation services please send us a message.