There is another approach – one that not only promotes amicable relations, but preserves the assets and emotional dynamics of the family unit.

The mission of the Separation/Divorce Resource Center is to promote positive collaboration and active engagement by clients we serve. To accomplish this mission, SDRC encourages people to communicate and solve problems together, facilitates group meetings, builds skills for participation and, as a neutral third party, assists people in conflict to develop mutually acceptable agreements.

Couples and families can utilize the conflict resolution process to address issues, concerns and conflicts.

A Conflict Resolution Process can help parties to:

• Improve communications
• Define issues and concerns
• Clarify viewpoints, interests and positions
• Generate options and alternatives for resolving problems
• Reach general understandings

Develop a settlement agreement that:

• Is practical / realistic / workable to implement
• Meets the needs of all parties
• Is durable over time
• Improve relationships
• Reduce the time and cost associated with resolving disputes

How do I prepare for Conflict Resolution?

Remember, Conflict Resolution is not like going to court or an administrative hearing. You need to be ready to think about possible solutions, not convince the Resolution officer that your position is “right.” To prepare for your Conflict Resolution,carefully consider:

• The issues you want discussed in the session
• The real reasons underlying your position on those issues and their relative importance
• What you need from the other person (or the other people) to settle the dispute
• Your assessment of reasons underlying the positions of the other parties
• Information you wish to bring to the meeting
• Others with whom you should consult before signing an agreement

What happens when I am at the Conflict Resolution?

1. Following introductions, the Resolution officer (RO) reviews the ground rules and procedures to be followed during the process. These procedures may vary in complexity depending on the nature of the dispute but will cover, at a minimum, the RO’s role, the resolution process and confidentiality issues.
2. The parties talk about the issues to be resolved, provide relevant information and clarify their positions on each issue along with the underlying reasons for those positions. The effort is made to ensure that each party understands the needs of the other party in relation to the issues being discussed.
3. Parties develop possible options for dealing with each issue. The options acceptable to the parties become the basis for the agreement.
4. An agreement is drafted by the RO, listing the specific points of agreement, who has agreed to take action and the timeline for implementation of the agreement. A strategy for dealing with issues in the future is often included in the agreement.
5. The agreement is reviewed by others, if necessary, and signed by all parties.

For more information to determine if this program is suitable for your situation call the SDRC of Peterborough 
  via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The SDRC is not a Law firm but does provide access to legal advice with integrity. We provide information and education.
Providing Viable Solutions TM.

“It was important to me that the mediator was neutral and didn’t take sides.
It helped us focus on what is important for the children rather than on our differences.”
“The mediation helped us to work out a plan that meets all of our needs.”