
MEDIATION
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a private process where a neutral third person (the mediator) leads a discussion with the goal of resolving a negotiation or dispute. The mediator doesn’t solve the issue for the parties, but can help the parties find a resolution that is mutually acceptable.
Mediation is especially valuable in family situations of separation, divorce and co-parenting. The legal model for divorce in the U.S. is based on an adversarial system. In a contested divorce, the court process can deplete resources while having a judge make the important decisions regarding family and assets.
Mediation is budget-friendly and allows people to make mutually beneficial decisions regarding property, minor children and moving forward. If you are willing to work together and consider reasonable compromises, mediation can get you through your divorce efficiently and inexpensively. More and more couples are going to mediators before going to attorneys. We can craft a settlement agreement that may be taken to your attorney for review and included in your divorce.
Mediation is an excellent option for assisting families through discussions of estate and end of life planning. We help families navigate logistical issues related to aging and facilitate and guide the family through those conversations. Family members will no longer have to guess about what will happen. You can have peace of mind knowing that decisions have been made proactively instead of waiting for a crisis.
Most of our mediation sessions start with the parties together in a joint session with the mediator via Zoom. The mediator describes the process and helps to establish ground rules and an agenda. Generally, parties alternate explaining the situation from their viewpoint and the mediator assists in identifying common ground. Sometimes the entire process takes place in one session. Parties may also request separate sessions, with the mediator going back and forth between the parties.
Parties often ask questions or raise issues about their legal rights and responsibilities. The mediator may assist them in clarifying positions, ask reality-testing questions and provide information, but the mediator is not acting in an attorney role. We may offer resources and describe how others have resolved a similar issue, but we do not give legal advice. Parties are invited to include attorneys in the process.
When an agreement is reached, the mediator composes an agreement to clearly articulate the specifics. If both parties sign, it's enforceable in the same manner as any other written contract.
A typical mediation session lasts up to 2 hours.
Mediation Benefits
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Avoid Court
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Confidential
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Builds Cooperation
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Convenient
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Customized Agreement
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Sufficient Time to be Heard
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Foundation for Future Problem Solving
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Minimize Stress
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Personalized
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Relationship Preserving
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Time & Money Savings
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Voluntary


Case Examples
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Business
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Construction
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Co-Parenting
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Co-Worker Conflict
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Child Custody & Support
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Elder Care
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Employment Conflict
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End of Life Planning
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Estates
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Family Disputes
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Landlord/Tenant
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Neighbor Discord
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Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
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Real Estate Transaction Conflict
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Relationship Conflict
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Separation & Divorce