Mediation is a process through which parties negotiate their own settlement of disputed issues with help from a “neutral” - the mediator.  The mediator assists parties in a variety of ways:  through education, redirection, intervention and suggestion.  As a true neutral, the mediator does not act as an advocate for or representative of either party to the dispute.  In other words, an attorney who is engaged as a mediator does not represent or favor either side, but instead acts as a facilitator for both parties, helping each work through the issues and decide for himself/herself how best to resolve them.

We have helped countless couples develop workable settlements through mediation.  The process is voluntary and completely confidential, and of course requires the free consent of both parties.  As your neutral mediator, we can help you and your spouse clarify joint and individual goals and needs in an environment that enables you to creatively and collaboratively control the process, deal with each other’s legitimate concerns, and fashion an agreement unique to your situation.  In this non-adversarial setting, you are able to proceed at your own pace with a minimum of stress.

Mediation can be used to resolve all of the issues in your case or just certain problem areas regarding, for example, support, parenting and/or the division of community property.  Not only is the adversarial nature of the process minimized, but mediated agreements are generally more satisfying, more effective and more likely to be honored in the future, because people tend to abide by agreements which they have helped to create.  Mediation is also frequently far less expensive than litigation.