The Significance of Neutrality in Mediation: Understanding Its Importance
Mediation is praised as a process that offers divorcing couples an opportunity for amicable resolution. Neutrality in mediation can make or break its efficacy.
About Brenda
As a Chattanooga-based Divorce Mediator, I’m on a mission to change how people experience divorce—because I believe it doesn’t have to be filled with stress and uncertainty. We can redefine the process by ensuring it serves the needs of couples and families, rather than being trapped in a system that doesn’t. As a best-selling author and founder of Bridging Divorce Solutions, I know divorce doesn’t have to be a battle—it can be a step toward a brighter future.
Having been through a disastrous divorce myself, I know firsthand how tough it can be, and I’m passionate about helping others avoid that same pain. I’m here to help you find clarity, confidence, and a way forward that feels right for you.
Outside of work, I’m all about feeding my soul. Whether it’s hiking, biking, boating, practicing yoga or getting back into golf and tennis, I love staying active. I’m a lifelong learner who loves creating things, travel, gardening, diving into art, and devouring at least a book a week. I’m always looking for the next adventure because life is too short not to live it fully.
Education & Experience
Education
- BA, Michigan State University
- MAT, National Louis University
- Family Law Mediation, Northwestern University
Certifications and Licenses
- Chattanooga Based Divorce Mediator Rule 31 Certified
- Divorce Financial Specialist, The Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
- Collaborative Law · Divorce Financial Neutral, International Association of Collaborative Professionals
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA ®), Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts®
- Certified Divorce Coach (CDC®), College for Divorce Coaching
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), The American College of Financial Services
- Life, Health and Annuity Licensed, State of TN
- FINRA Series 66
- FINRA Series 7
- RYT 500
Blogs
The Divorce Dilemma: Court or Collaboration – A (Sometimes) Tough Decision
In or Out of Court: One of the Gut-Wrenching Choices of the Divorce Dilemma You want to fight as little as possible. There’s been enough...
The Divorce Avenger: Try On Your Superhero Transformation this Halloween!
Hey there, my extraordinary friends, As we approach Halloween, a season of enchantment and transformation, I am – let’s say enchanted, such an excellent magical...
How An Uncashed Check Became a Symbol of Surviving and Thriving After My Divorce
I’m cleaning my office today, trying to get rid of as much paper as possible. I found a piece of paper in that purging I’ll...
Mediation SOS: When Your Mediator Plays Favorites – How to Regain Balance with Mediator Bias
Mediation is a process built on trust, impartiality, and the belief that a neutral mediator will guide parties toward resolution without mediator bias. However, there...
The Power of Mediator Integrity: When Transparency Trumps Bias
“In mediation, integrity is the name of the game.” I’ve spent years helping couples navigate the challenging waters of divorce through mediation, and one particular...
Brenda Bridges is NOT AN ATTORNEY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. All information she provides is financial or coaching in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. Individuals seeking legal or tax advice should solicit the counsel of competent legal or tax professionals knowledgeable about the divorce laws in their own geographical areas. Divorce Financial Planning is a fee-only process that does not involve investment advice or securities or insurance transactions. See BrendaBridges.com for more information regarding financial licenses and disclaimers.