1 /5 asha creighton: I went into mediation with hope that it would be a fair and balanced process. Unfortunately, that was far from the reality of what transpired. My attorney and I were placed in a separate room from the opposing party and their lawyer, which is standard practice. However, for more than half of the five-hour session, the mediator spent the majority of the time with the opposing side. When he finally returned to present a counteroffer, it became immediately clear that the terms were not in the best interest of my special needs child.
As he began speaking, I attempted to interject, knowing that what was being proposed was unacceptable. Instead of facilitating a discussion, as a mediator should, he insisted I let him finish, only to then overtalk me when I disagreed. His response? Calling me "unreasonable" and displaying a blatant misogynistic attitude. His demeanor was not neutral or professional—he was dismissive, rude, and aggressive.
For a process meant to be about compromise and fairness, this experience was nothing short of a slap in the face. The mediator’s behavior was so appalling that he eventually had to call my lawyer to continue discussions because I no longer felt comfortable engaging with him. At times, it truly felt as though he was advocating for the opposing side rather than mediating.
This experience was unacceptable, and I will be filing a formal complaint beyond this review. No one should have to endure this type of unprofessionalism, especially in sensitive matters like those involving children. I can only hope that others are spared from encountering this kind of treatment.
