Emergency Protection Orders (“EPOs”) are necessary when there is an immediate need for protection. An EPO can throw cause havoc in a family’s day-to-day life. There can be long periods of delay between a review of the EPO or a hearing at the Court, which leaves families in limbo. Sierra offers a targeted mediation focused on assisting families in the immediate aftermath of an EPO with a focus on the best interests of the children. Issues addressed include:

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• Parenting time with appropriate safety measures;

• Safe transitions of the children;

• Establishing communication protocols;

• Retrieval of personal items from the family home;

• Limiting the potential for future instances of family violence;

• Minimizing disruption to the children’s lives;

• Discussion of interim economic arrangements to ensure the children are financially stable; and

• Procedural steps forward.

 

All sessions will take place via Zoom in breakout rooms.

 

Mediation in family violence requires sensitivity, and an awareness of the cycle of abuse, and dynamics at play. Safeguards are in place to ensure a process that meets concerns regarding power imbalances.

 

A three-hour mediation session is offered at a flat rate of $650. Additional time is billed at a reduced hourly rate of $275.

 

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