Our Approach To Mediation

We believe that the full disclosure process needs to be completed before the mediation process commences, unless it is a custody matter. We help parties reach settlements, but we do not give legal advice, we strongly encourage each party to hire independent counsel of their own choosing. We do not give referrals other than to provide a link to the Calbar website page of Certified Family Law Specialists. The process is confidential and we cannot be called as a witness. An agreement between the parties is always preferable to a judicial decision, because you can control and craft the outcome and therefore have a vested interest in the making the mediated agreement a successful one.

Helping businesses and individuals resolve their legal disputes amicably

With mediation, in can help you obtain the best possible settlements while preserving amicable relationships. We have extensive experience helping clients throughout to resolve their legal issues through this means of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation gives you control over the process and can often provide more expedient, predictable results than going to trial.

Whenever your legal issue lends itself to a mediated resolution, we are fully prepared to represent your interests, saving you the time and expense of litigation.

Preserving relationships through alternative dispute resolution

In many cases, both parties are best served when they establish a cordial relationship. Through the structured process of mediation, you can set aside hostility and agree on key points. Mediation can be a highly effective tool for you to preserve the stability and well-being of employment, community or business relationships during the turbulent process of litigation or prior to filing a lawsuit. The predictability of mediation reduces the stress of legal conflicts and puts important decisions in your hands rather than in the court’s power.

What can you expect from family court mediation?

If you have been in a difficult and complicated relationship with your partner, you may be ready to go to court and duke it out. Perhaps they were manipulative, had an affair with someone else, or were simply never around for you and the kids. Whatever your situation is, your lawyer may want you to consider mediation. Although mediation will not work in every situation–your partner is narcissistic or abusive–it is often a good tactic for getting on the same page and putting your family first. That said, mediation only works if both parties are willing to speak openly and commit to a decision that works for everyone involved. Unless a parent was abusive or dangerous to the family, a court will always try to give children access to both parents, whether it is through custody or visitation. Mediation can help both parties agree on decisions without the court stepping in and enforcing a decision. 

What can mediation do for our family?

Mediation can do several things, including: 

• Create a parenting plan. By devising a parenting plan, you eliminate the court forcing decisions on you and your children that may not work best. A parenting plan will lay out how your family will make certain decisions for your children (such as religious, educational, and health-related), can state who will have physical custody of the kids, and can discuss the visitation rights of the other parent. 

• Create a safe space for parents to have a discussion. When it comes to conversations with your ex-spouse or ex-partner, anything can be triggering and anything can turn into a difficult and angry conversation. However, a mediator is not invested in either party. They are not there to make sure one parent gets everything and the other parent doesn’t. Instead, they want to create a safe environment for parents to voice their opinions and come to an agreement that works for the whole family unit. They can provide invaluable help in understanding the other parent’s opinion. 

Is it beneficial to bring our kids to the meeting?

Absolutely not. Mediation (or any meetings related to your separation or divorce) is not the place for your kids, even if they are older. No child wants to hear their parent arguing about the details of how to raise them and who “wants them more.” While you may be open with your children about what is going on, allowing them to be kids and not worry about this is a top priority. This is between you and your spouse. When your children are older, a family court may allow them the opportunity to state who they would prefer to live with (and take this into account when coming to a decision). 

When it comes to taking care of your children, mediation can allow you to resolve issues with your children’s other parent in a way that is best for everyone involved. Contact our office now if you are interested in seeing how mediation can help your situation. 

Contact a strong mediator to help you resolve your disputes

Contact us online to schedule a consultation at our office.