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MEDIATION & THE FAMILY FARM
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- The complexities of transferring the family farm from one generation to another,
- the desire to provide a promising future for all children, not just the one staying on the farm,
- the difficulties created by reduced farm incomes
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can all contribute to creating difficult family conversations, sometimes testing even the best relationships.
Yet it is crucial that these conversations be held and important for families that the conversations build relationships rather than test and tarnish them.
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FAMILIES AND MEDIATION
The potential for healthy, productive, and wholesome conversations is increased significantly when a family invites a mediator to facilitate the discussions.
A mediator is a neutral third party, trained to help people talk openly and listen carefully to each other in such a way that everyone’s concerns and interests are taken seriously and the potential is created for reaching an agreement that is satisfying to all parties & healthy for the family.
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IF YOU CONTRACT WITH GRASSLANDS MEDIATION
We will meet with each person in the family who is party to the conversation and decisions that have to be made. In these meetings we will explore what the issues are and what each person’s interests and hopes are.
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We will meet with you as a family, helping you talk to each other and listen to each other, exploring common interests, working at areas of disagreement, and moving you toward a resolution of all the matters involved.
We will draft a report summarizing the matters addressed, the resolutions achieved, and, when necessary, matters that may still be outstanding. If appropriate, and upon your request, a report will also be forwarded to your lawyer for the drafting of a formal, legally-binding contract.
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DO WE NEED A LAWYER OR AN ACCOUNTANT IF WE CONTRACT WITH A MEDIATOR?
A mediator will not advise you on legal and financial matters. It is important to get legal and financial information and advice before you participate in a mediation session. You are free to seek such advice at any time during the process. You will need a lawyer if you require a legally valid and binding agreement. Your lawyer will draft this for you, based on the mediator’s report.
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WHAT WILL IT COST?
Mediators charge for their services by the hour. Therefore the cost will depend on the size of the family, the complexities of the issues involved, and the difficulties encountered in resolving the matters. We will be pleased to give you an estimate of approximate cost before we begin the process.
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