Mediation

Mediation allows the parties to work together and not against one another to find the best solution for their family and their individual situation. Rather than allowing a stranger to decide the outcome of a case, in mediation the parties themselves work together to reach the best solution for their family.

During mediation, the attorney will help guide the parties through the divorce, parentage, or custody dispute. The attorney will be impartial and provide a neutral interpretation of the law and the legal process. During the first phase, the attorney will assist in preparing the initial legal documents required. Then the parties and the attorney will meet and review what disagreements exist, the goals of each party, and what each party believes is a fair resolution to the case. The attorney will provide suggestions and work with the parties to come to an overall agreement which satisfies everyone. Once an agreement is reached, the attorney will prepare the final judgment for the parties to review and sign. The document will then be filed with the Court, resolving the matter.

The attorney will provide insight and interpretations of the law but does not represent either party. The attorney is a neutral third party during this process and does not advocate for one party or the other. The attorney will provide the legal background to assist the parties in reaching their own resolutions. Mediation is not for everyone. The parties must be open to communication with one another. A commitment to full disclosure is required in order for this process to work. Sometimes an agreement cannot be reached and the Court's assistance will be needed. But for those who are willing to work together to resolve their disagreements, this process often turns difficult situations into peaceful solutions tailored to the individual needs of each family.

Mediation is often the most cost effective way to handle a family law matter. The cost of this process is generally shared equally between the parties. The cost can be much less than a typical case because only one attorney is needed rather than two.