Testimonials

“I have referred many difficult cases to Mediation Matters. Repeatedly, the end result has been a satisfied client and an out-of-court settlement.”

“In months of counseling sessions, we seemed to keep rehashing the same issues over and over. Eileen and Carl were skilled at moving the process along, subtly, without cutting us off. You helped us make the decisions we needed to make. I’ve sought lots of help and advice over the last five years. Finally, I feel peace. My load is lighter. Thank you!
I’ve already referred you to several of my friends.”

I felt that your systematic approach kept us on track and avoided emotionally charged situations. I did not know what to expect from the process, and at times felt frustrated that we did not jump right to what I considered ‘the real issues.’ But I came to realize that going through the steps of the process was critical for the ultimate success. I am so relieved that we avoided a battle in court. I have no doubt that that would have been a financial disaster for us, and worse, would have resulted in years of anger, resentment and pain for my daughter, my partner and myself. I feel that I have had to bend, but in ways that were not as difficult as I expected. And I feel very ready to start the next phase of the dissolution of this relationship, with a clear mind and conscience. Thanks for making this all happen – I haven’t been to any other mediators, but to enough counselors and other professionals to appreciate how good you are at what you do.”

“I have the highest respect for your skills as a professional mediator. Your gentle, intuitive assistance with the difficult process of dissolving my 27-year marriage was invaluable. You listened to and respected my thoughts and feelings. I felt as if I was held in a very supportive, protected space while being guided through my life changing transition. Thank you, Carl”

“Carl, I just wanted to thank you again for the invaluable help you provided to B____ and me. Even though we didn’t ‘do’ our marriage very well, we did manage to handle our divorce – with your help – in a way that we can be proud of. You not only helped us with the disposition of our stuff, but also with our ‘stuff’ – the emotional baggage that needed to be jettisoned.

I came through this process feeling better about myself and about my husband than when we began. I never would have thought it possible that we did so much valuable work in so short a time. You will long be remembered for helping us take care of ourselves and our child – today, tomorrow, and for all of the tomorrows that we shall live.”

“Carl Schneider and the mediation process did more for me than five years of lawyers and court battles in settling my divorce. I only wish I had done the mediation first: I would have saved thousands and years of negative emotions.”

“Thank you for diligently and professionally working through the mediation process with us. With our mediated agreement, we can now focus on constructively moving forward instead of being caught up in the expensive and adversarial legal process we’ve endured for the past three plus years. You are top notch.”

“As a lawyer in private practice, I rarely find a new method of resolving cases which leaves my client with a sense of satisfaction. But over the past few years, I have brought in Carl Schneider to conduct his unique form of “accelerated mediation.” With all financial information on the table and lawyers present for each party, Carl leads the divorcing couple through a two-day process that has settled 20 out of 21 cases. Clients leave the process with not only a prompt resolution of their divorce, but also with a sense of dignity and healing. Carl’s unique combination of talents is what makes this possible. He is an experienced mediator and knows domestic law. But he also freely draws on his clinical background to help the parties work through the emotional issues that often block settlement and enable them to find a sense of closure. Among local lawyers, he is known as the mediator who can settle even the most difficult cases.”

“Our family has continued to discuss our meeting with you this past weekend. We have all expressed how successful this session was for us – both individually and as a family. Seeing my children together today, mutually appreciating each other and reaffirming what was said and done between them yesterday, made me realize how thankful I am to the two of you. After many months of feeling tense and sad about their relationship this is almost too good to be true. Other unexpected breakthroughs also happened and it will take time to reflect on some of those. But I just wanted you to know that the meeting was everything I had hoped for and more.”

“For some disputes, trials will always be the only means, but for many claims we simply do not need trials by adversary contest. As we now practice it that system is too costly, too painful, too destructive and too ineffective. My submission is this: has the time not come for a careful, thoughtful, examination... of the whole litigation process under the common law system? We need the study to answer the question: is there a better way?”

“Is there anything better than the rule of law? Is there a realistic alternative to the legal system? I believe there is. It is one in which results are obtained voluntarily, and decisions are made by consensus; where parties design the form and content of their negotiations, where there is informality and infinite capacity for creative results... It is one where emotions are expressed, acknowledged, and respected; where greater concern is shown for the future than the past; where third parties facilitate without deciding, and are empathetic rather than neutral. It is one in which people are encouraged to act honestly, empathetically, collaboratively, humbly, and creatively; where forgiveness and reconciliation are encouraged; where people are allowed to be human, direct, and open; where anyone can understand what is happening and participate fully without professional jargon. It is one without coercion, that encourages collaboration and permits both sides to win. It is mediation.”