120 East Washington St., Suite 711, Syracuse, NY 13202
The Value of Mediation
Mediation is often viewed as the opposite of litigation. Mediation requires the presence of some degree of trust and mutual respect between the participants. This does not mean that mediation takes place without conflict. The majority of our clients have not discussed or decided anything. They are often in a state of confusion that is aggravated by turmoil and internal stressors. With calming guidance from your mediator and a request that you bring your best self to the negotiation table, you will find that reaching an equitable Agreement is attainable.
The decision to separate is rarely made easily. The disappointment and distress that people experience can feel overwhelming whether they are the initiator or the receiving party. As your mediator, we will ease the stress you are feeling by providing a neutral and informative place to talk about difficult issues.
People come to mediation at many different stages of the separation process. A decision to separate may come as a shocking blow, or at other times, it is a decision made jointly after months and/or years of discussion. In any case, you, and the relationship you have shared, deserve to be treated with care and respect.
It is our goal to help you make informed decisions using all the information and knowledge available. We will share our knowledge and experience to enhance your ability to make good decisions. You will be encouraged to use the services of outside experts, as you deem necessary, such as accountants, financial planners, child therapists, lawyers, pension valuators and others to help you gain information and assistance throughout the process.
Not only is your participation in mediation voluntary, but your decisions should be voluntary as well. There is a fine line between making a decision that you do not wish to make but are willing to make in order to reach resolution and making a decision under duress or coercion. Talking about difficult decisions openly and brainstorming multiple options can increase the chances of reaching voluntary decisions that are truly mutually agreeable and in the best interest of everyone concerned.
About M. Christine HICKEY
Christine's approach to mediation has been partly formed by her experience as a lawyer for children and families in litigation and by her personal experience as a step-parent. Mediation, though not counseling, recognizes the emotional strains that exist when a family tries to create a workable plan for the future. In mediation, you are encouraged and supported in your efforts to continue to work together.
Since 1990, Christine has limited her practice to divorce and family mediation and law guardian representation. She was the 1994 recipient of the Michael F. Dillon Law Guardian Award in recognition of her legal work on behalf of children. Christine established and incorporated CNY Mediation Services, Inc. in 2000. She is a recipient of the Abel Award for her work in the advancement of family and divorce mediation in New York State. She is an Accredited Member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) and an Advanced Practitioner Member of The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). Christine served on the Board of Directors of the NYSCDM and as Co-Chair on the Education Committee and Institute Steering Committee from the mid-1990s through February 2013. For 10 years, she taught Mediation in Family Law as an adjunct professor at the Syracuse University College of Law. New York Attorney Registration under
M. Christine Hickey
A Place to Learn
Making Informed Decisions
Making Informed Decisions
Making Informed Decisions
One of the pillars of mediation is making sure clients are informed. We strongly encourage our clients to ask questions, to push for clarification and to reach out to other professionals who may help them be more informed. Please know there is never a question too small to ask. Being informed when making a choice about your divorce is of the utmost importance.
Mediator in Training
Making Informed Decisions
Making Informed Decisions
My associate, Cristin R. Manfredi, has a master's degree in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies. She is trained in over ten types of mediation, including divorce mediation. She is eager to gain more hands-on experience. If you are willing to have her observe your mediation sessions, please inform Christine.