Oregon Divorce Source: Who Else Can Help You While You Are Mediating?

Who Else Can Help You While You Are Mediating?

Information Provided by: Linda Scher, Mediator

FINANCIAL

CPA, Tax Preparer - to help you understand the tax choices and implications of a potential settlement
Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Planner - to help you make a detailed plan for the future, and identify personal needs and predict the long-term effect of various options considered
Appraiser, Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Broker, Bank - to help you explore options around selling a house, refinancing a house and/or buying a house.
Debt Counseling and Consolidation Services - to help you work out a plan for paying off debt (look for non-profit companies)

LEGAL

Attorney - to help you understand the legal process and analyze your options in with an understanding of predicted outcomes in the legal system (the attorney may act in a consulting role or a representative role)

MEDIA

Books, Internet Resources, Videos, etc. - self-help resources to help you learn about divorce and separation, to understand the process and your own reactions to it (For an outstanding example of an Oregon site, see www.ojd.state.or.us)

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Individual Therapist - to help you to process your feelings and find ways to move forward
Group Therapist - to help you normalize and see the success of others
Couples Therapist - to help the two of you to focus on deeper relational work than mediation offers
Psychiatrist - if you might need deeper treatment and/or medical intervention

PARENT EDUCATION

County Mandated or Private Classes - to help you to understand your child's needs and point of view

PERSONAL EDUCATION

Vocational Counselor - to help you to form a career plan
College Counselor - to help you explore specific programs, admittance requirements, timeline, costs
Transitional Classes - to help you gain self-confidence and practical skills for re-entry into the workforce (formerly called "Displaced Homemaker" classes)