Meredith Richardson, Esq., is a conflict management specialist, providing mediation, facilitation, conflict coaching, collaborative law, and parenting coordination services in person throughout Maine and NH, and providing them worldwide telephonically and via Skype. She has mediated over 700 cases to date., Initially trained as a lawyer, she found that the people who came to her often were quite skilled at fighting, but had somehow lost the ability to get along. She wanted to help them communicate better., In mediation with Meredith, the goal is to have a discussion in which both sides feel supported and empowered and are able to gain a clearer understanding of their position and the other person's. Brainstorming and problem-solving may also be involved. The end result is ultimately your choice, as it is ultimately your life to lead., Why should you mediate instead of getting involved in a lawsuit? Mediation gives you the opportunity to save money, time, and maybe a relationship with the other person. The process takes hours, not years, and it is generally far less stressful than litigation. Rather than working adversarially against each other, you learn to collaborate again. In the end, you determine the outcome, rather than having it determined by someone who hardly knows you. Also, your private affairs are much more likely to remain private., When you need help with conflict, contact Meredith.