FAQ

I offer Civil Mediation, Domestic/Divorce Mediation, Arbitration, and Med-Arb Services. I am also trained in Specialized Domestic Violence as it relates to Domestic Mediation.

Mediation is a negotiation that takes place with the assistance of a neutral person, the mediator. The mediator facilitates discussions between the parties, attempting to focus them on interests and needs rather thank upon positions, desires, and rights. The mediator does not make a decision regarding settlement; decision making power resides with the parties. Although a court may order parties to participate in mediation, they are not required to enter into a settlement. The parties do not give up their right to go to court if a settlement is not reached.

• Confidential
• Less Expensive
• Quicker
• Parties make the decisions
• High resolution rate

Arbitration is similar to a trial in that an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators renders a decision after hearing legal arguments and presentation of evidence. In non-binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision is advisory only, and if dissatisfied, either party may demand a trial.

• Confidential
• Normally less expensive
• Not as formal as a court proceeding
• Quicker than litigation
• Decision is more final with fewer grounds for appeal

In Med-Arb a mediator is selected to mediate the dispute. If the parties do not resolve the matter during mediation, the arbitration process commences, and the mediator now becomes the arbitrator.

Yes, if both parties agree.

Yes, only if the case has not been filed with the court.

Conflicts between neighbors, families, merchants and consumers, landlords and tenants, employers and employees, and other disputes are appropriate for mediation.

You can participate in mediation without representation. However, the mediator is unable and CAN NOT give legal or financial advice to the parties.

You should have documents available that will help support your case. For Domestic/Divorce Mediation cases, at a minimum, you should complete a financial affidavit. If there are minor children to consider, HERE is a sample blank parenting plan form for your review.

I use Zoom and if you are unfamiliar with this type of video conferencing, you can learn more HERE.

My fee is $125 per hour per party with a four (4) hour minimum.

My special interests include, but are not limited to the following:
▪ Divorce w/minor Children
▪ Divorce involving High Conflict/Domestic Violence
▪ Divorce with Minimum Assets
▪ Same Sex Divorce
▪ Unmarried but have lived together w/assets
▪ Unmarried w/children
▪ Blended Families
▪ Parental Alienation Syndrome
▪ Mediate to Stay Married
▪ Teenage/Young Marriage