MasterPeace Mediation and Settlement Facilitation

I have been doing divorce and parenting mediation for over twenty years and enjoy a very strong reputation in the community I was contacted by *** *** to assist with parenting issues which had arisen between him and his ex-wife A session was scheduled for the two of them to
mediate *** confirmed he would attend, however at the set time he did not show or call regarding missing the appointment I then shifted to a different mediation process and met with each of them individually, taking note of the issues, helping them identify potential solutions and providing coaching regarding co-parenting In following up over emails were exchanged between the three of us plus numerous texts and calls The parties were not in agreement in a number of issues and no resolution was achieved.In August I had a number of personal setbacks which included the death of the woman who raised me, illnesses with me and my significant other, a devastating burglary and other matters During that time I was not properly responsive to calls from *** and his ex-wife I regret that It's not the way I normally do business I did not diagnose *** as having "high functioning Autism." It is not my place to do so My sole concern was seeking how to best accommodate his challenging communication style In discussing with the ex-wife how I could best serve ***, I noted that I had seen similar communication with other parents who had high functioning autism She relayed this to him in a way that did not convey my only goal, which was to best help him to resolve the issues and co-parent effectively Likewise I did not, nor do I ever, offer legal advice That is not my role In discussions with the ex-wife she and I discussed that child support was an issue that could be considered in mediation She elected not to present that issue to ***.I charge $per hour and was paid $as a retainer I spent over four hours in this matter, but no agreement was reached, which is always a possibility in mediation I'm truly sorry that I did not respond more effectively to their calls during the time I was personally in crisis I reached out to *** and *** and sought options to resolve this matter I came to the conclusion that a breakdown in trust had occurred between the three of us which would make a successful outcome unlikely Even though a significant amount of time was expended in this matter I have issued a refund to *** as he has requested I wish him and his ex-wife the best.Warmly, Kelly V***, Mediator