Mediation
In divorce proceedings, mediation can give you more control and reduce the costs.
Mediation can be a better approach to reaching an agreement
As a law firm, we provide expert legal services in the area of family law, but we also provide mediation services. Mediation is an outside-the-courtroom process designed to resolve all aspects of a divorce, including property distribution, parenting time, custody, child support, and probate matters.
We provide a family-centered holistic approach, where our goal is to resolve your case, taking into consideration all sides, in situations that are often difficult and highly emotional.
Legal disputes of all kinds are not easy, but we are here to support you through that process. People are often surprised at how much they can resolve with the help of a mediator, in a way that reduces stress, saves money and allows both parties to leave the situation feeling heard, with a balanced outcome.
While there are no guarantees, when both parties attend in good faith and with a mindset to resolve their case fairly, agreements are most often reached.
How does mediation work?
The mediator will set up a call with each participant to get basic information and schedule a time for a mediation session.
We will set an agenda that will cover all issues each party would like to address and discuss.
During the session, we will focus on each agenda item giving everyone an opportunity to be heard and keeping all parties on-topic to move toward resolution.
Mediation ends when either a full resolution has been reached, when a party requires additional time to consider topics raised or when either party desires to end mediation. Mediation is voluntary.
If an agreement has been reached, we can assist you in preparing all of the necessary court documents for filing so that you leave with a complete set of what to file with the Court, including child support filings when needed.
Why should I mediate? Consider these important benefits: With mediation…
You are in control of the outcome, unlike submitting your case to a judge.
You have the ability to save time and money as compared to traditional litigation.
You can reach agreements and finalize your divorce or custody matters quickly, most of the time in only 1-2 sessions.
You have the ability to address the issues at your own pace.
Agreements reached at mediation are often honored by the parties more so than orders forced upon you by a Judge.
Litigation is unpredictable and it is impossible to know exactly what a Judge might do in your case.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediation is confidential and what is said in mediation is also confidential.
Your mediator cannot disclose what was discussed nor can they be called as a witness for any court proceedings.
How do we mediate?
We offer both in-person and remote mediation sessions via Zoom. Both options allow us to meet collectively if all parties are comfortable with that, or to separate into different rooms at any time.
What is the cost of mediation compared with traditional litigation?
Traditional litigation
Traditional litigation (meaning the “typical” divorce or custody process) requires each party to pay a retainer of generally $5,000 - $10,000. That retainer is designed to cover the legal services you will receive, but depending upon how contentious your case is, a divorce can cost anywhere from $5,000 - $40,000 (and even more in extreme cases).
Mediation
Mediation, on the other hand, is often between $750 - $2000 total, a cost that is often split equally between the parties.
When do I have to pay for mediation?
We will take payment immediately following mediation. We will print or email you a copy of the invoice for your records. We accept cash or credit cards (which have a 3% convenience fee added).