Your relationship may be not be in need of repair. However,the divorce rate in this country is testimony to the fact people go into marriage with great expectations, and somewhere along their journey they end up going in separate directions.
Driving into marriage blinded by romantic bliss could spell disaster. However, a tune up, or preventive maintenance, before marriage may keep your marriage going a lot longer. 
Clarifying issues with your beloved prior to marriage, without tip toeing around issues that are unpleasant or embarrassing may save a significant amount of money in the future as well as emotional hardship. In the "honeymoon" phase or period of romantic bliss, couples may not be as likely to discuss issues which need to be worked out prior to marriage.
The mediation process empowers couples to discuss and consider these vital issues before saying, "I do." Some of the issues which may present obstacles down the road are related to money, sex, religion and children. Equally important is a discussion of how the couple will resolve future conflict.
In private practice here in Maryland, I am a mediator, i.e., a neutral third party who assists couples identify the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships. I help couples before marriage discuss the issues which may help preserve their marriage down the road. Additionally, in mediation I help couples learn communication skills which may help them resolve future disagreements independently.
Premarital mediation is also useful prior to a couple marrying after experiencing divorce, especially when there are children from a previous marriage.
Premarital Mediation
February 9, 2009
