Clare hears how a mediator can help her and her ex settle their issues.
Transcript:
Talking it through
Panel 1: Outdoors, man with small dog, Clare sitting on bench, woman standing
Clare: I can’t stand it! We’re not getting anywhere!
Female friend: What do you mean?
Panel 2:
Clare: Ross won’t talk details – he just keeps going on and on about me dating again. We need to sort out how often he’ll see the kids.
Panel 3: Man holding dog
Male friend: If you can’t even talk about that, how are you going to bring up selling the condo?
Panel 4:
Female friend: Have you heard about mediation, Clare?
Panel 5:
Clare: Maybe on the news, somethings unions and companies do?
Panel 6: Yeah, you’re right, but couples who are separating can do it, too. It’s a way to stay out of court.
Clare: How does it work?
Panel 7: All three characters sitting on bench, woman showing other two something on phone
Female friend: There are different types – you don’t even have to be in the same room. The mediator keeps you on track, helps you both stay calm.
Panel 8:
Male friend: So basically, you work with someone who is trained to keep the conversation going?
Clare: Or get it started in my case!
Female friend: Exactly!
Panel 9:
Clare: Is it expensive?
Female friend: It's way cheaper than going to court! And sometimes people can qualify for free mediation.
Panel 10: The three characters walking side-by-side on a path
Male friend: But does the mediator tell you what to do?
Female friend: No, they help you reach your own solutions.
Panel 11:
Female friend: Mediators don’t take sides. If all goes well, you make a document called an agreement. And it’s legal. You don’t even go to court.
Panel 12:
Clare: I need a mediator!
Male friend: They sound great. Maybe I can get one too!
Female friend: Hey, wait a minute, you’re single!