SERVICES
Mediation
Why Mediation?
Courts tend to treat families with a cookie-cutter approach. Mediation affords parties the opportunity to do things their own way, within the bounds of the law. And on their own timeline.
Mediation is a great tool to help unmarried parents and parents-to-be negotiate the unfamiliar terrain of co-parenting. It can also assist divorced families seeking to modify their original plan to come to the table and devise a new one. Even parties looking to go through the process of divorce may use mediation to help work out differences ahead of filing and finalizing a divorce before a judge. All of this can be done by mediation if parties are willing to cooperate, disclose all finances, and compromise.
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Mediation takes less time, is less expensive and encourages people to comply with the agreement they reached. Many cases involving children, property, and support lend themselves to a peaceful resolution with the assistance of a professional neutral third party who understands the law, family dynamics and personality.
Where mediation is possible, my representation is effective and efficient. Parties exit mediation with an agreement and parenting plan to be approved by the court.
In some cases, alternative dispute resolution does not work. Generally, that is due to the personality or emotions of one or more parties, intrusion by their families or friends and, sometimes, the attorneys either party has chosen.
How Does Mediation Work?
The process can be done in several ways, either with parties alone or with their attorneys and other professionals. It can occur in one long session or be broken down into 1-3 hour meetings. The goal is to negotiate a written agreement that covers issues of parenting, property division, and support and a plan to help the entire family transition as seamlessly as possible.
At Seaglass Law & Mediation, we provide nights and weekend options for busy families trying to keep work and children schedules intact.
