Testimonials

I had an excellent experience with Gillian and Melinda through Finding Common Ground Mediation and Law Services. Let’s be real here – most people who are getting divorced aren’t at all excited about mediation or any of its component parts such as financial disclosures, detailed discussion of future parenting boundaries, and especially compromise. Mediation is always tough because both parties secretly (or not so secretly) want the mediators to side with them, and the mediators themselves walk a fine line between sympathy, empathy, and practical impartiality. Divorce is generally quite an emotional event. It’s impossible to set boundaries and divvy up two lives without brushing up against intense emotions. Yet it’s also very easy to allow the mediation session to become a very expensive therapy session for a couple that is long past the point of therapy. Gillian and Melinda walked this tightrope magnificently. I felt heard and acknowledged, but we were still able to finish the entire mediation process in just a few months, and I feel very confident that we saved tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees on what would have undoubtedly been a lengthy and bitter court battle. Gillian and Melinda’s insistence that we understand the boundaries we were setting is something I’m very grateful for now. This pair was great at staying focused on the present and the future rather than the past. They were able to identify and bring into focus the needs and desires underlying points of contention while still supporting and creating space for both parties. One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is that most people really aren’t familiar with the legal system, and many of us have hugely unrealistic expectations or fears of what might happen in court; this dynamic duo brings a long history of divorce proceedings experience to the table, and I found their injections of reality to be practical, no-nonsense, and extremely helpful. They were very skilled in the art of extracting emotion from a conflict and presenting the dry realities left behind, which is extremely difficult for divorcing couples to do on their own. They listened to both of us very carefully, and this was never more apparent than in the language used in the final divorce settlement.  Mediation is about taking control of your own lives and finding a balance that each party can accept. As a last note I would like to say that despite being the only man in the room, I felt that Gillian and Melinda treated me with respect and dignity at every stage of the process. They were professional and accountable, as well as organized and thorough. I would definitely recommend Gillian and Melinda to any friends planning a divorce.

Gillian and Melinda,

Thank you both for your help. You made a difficult situation easier.

Going through a divorce is never easy. Gillian handled our mediation with even handedness and just as importantly, compassion. Her methodology and thoroughness made a painful process much less so. She has our highest recommendation.

Gillian, Thank you so much for your help. We feel confident that mediation was the best possible route for us and appreciated all of your advice and guidance.

Gillian made the process super easy. Everything was done quickly, affordably and accurately. Gillian suggested a few ideas that we had not thought of. These ideas were very helpful. To top it all off, she is very cool as well. I do recommend using Gillian.

I highly recommend Gillian for mediation guidance and advice. Gillian provided invaluable assistance from start to finish. Advice is delivered with an in depth understanding of the law but FAR more importantly human nature and behavior in times of stress. Expert at at turning a negative into a positive.

Thank you! I appreciate everything you did to remain unbiased yet you helped us to work towards our goal. I wasn’t sure if we’d get through it but you managed to keep us focused enough to come to an agreement.

Gillian, Thank you for helping us through a very difficult time. The process went much more smoothly than I ever thought it could. I appreciate the safe environment you created and the fairness with which you conducted the process. I think we can both move forward with positive feelings. I know I can.

Gillian, Thank you so much for the job that you do, and do so well. While this was probably one, if not the, hardest thing that I have gone through, you made it as easy as possible with your knowledge, grace, and caring. I appreciate it more than you know. Thanks again for your wonderful service.”

Gillian is a great listener and problem solver. She is extremely patient and willing to listen to both sides to reach the best resolution for all involved parties. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Through creating an atmosphere that fosters communication, mediation is an excellent alternative to court. Combining strong ethical standards with compassion and respect, Gillian has the skills to guide you through life’s difficult challenges. Better Solutions Mediation & Law Services provides a level of service beyond compare. The mediation process permits all parties to have their needs and opinions considered, allowing Gillian to get you through complicated times in an effective, efficient manner.

Gillian did great work mediating for us. She was great to work with us, provided great information and kept us on task. I would highly recommend her work to anyone.

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity.

It is an emotional time. Trust is a big factor. You do develop that trust with Gillian because she does have a great personality to get both parties at the table to come up with a solution.

I highly recommend Gillian as a mediator. She helped us with a difficult divorce that could have cost us our kids’ college funds and then some. She gave us ground rules and helped us listen to each other. She explained things clearly so we were able to make decisions. It felt good to have control over what we decided. We had worked through a lot of issues by the time we were done. I can’t imagine a better way to get through such tough times.

Gillian, thank you so much for all you did. I have felt such relief knowing I was working with such a fair and competent attorney. Thank you for everything. You restored my faith in lawyers and the legal system.

Gillian, thank you for your professionalism and for sticking with us through difficult times. Your hard work and perseverance are commendable.