Disclaimer

Deborah Cole mediated a dispute among seven adult siblings who disagreed on the appropriate care of and proper residence for their elderly mother. On the day of the mediation, Deborah met with five siblings in person and connected with the other two by phone. She was able to facilitate a conversation among the children in which they talked and listened to each other in a respectful manner, which had not occurred in years. The siblings aired their longstanding family grievances and feuds and discussed them. Deborah’s skills as a mediator helped open the lines of communication, enabling her to assist the siblings by redirecting their attention to what was truly important − their mother’s well-being. They were able to weigh their options realistically in and out of court. Ultimately the children forged a written agreement for their mother’s care that they all could agree upon.