NCJ Number
100692
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This essay presents the advantages and disadvantages of using comediators in divorce mediation as well as some of the techniques that can be used in comediation.
Abstract
Two mediators bring more knowledge, more resources, and more control to the mediation setting than one mediator, especially if the comediators are an attorney and a mental health counselor. A male-female team provides a role model interchange for the couple. Comediators also provide checks and balances on one another that can ensure that all issues are adequately addressed. Comediators provide feedback to one another than facilitates professional growth and enhances the quality of the mediation process. Some disadvantages of comediation are an increase in the number and complexity of communications in the mediation sessions and problems that may arise between the mediators. Comediation is also more expensive, and research has not established that it is necessarily more effective than a single mediator. Some techniques in comediation include role modeling and the use of interaction between the mediators to break an impasse between the disputants. 12 references.