Mediation and Collaborative Law are 2 alternative methods used to resolve legal disputes without having a trial. Many times they are resolved quicker and tend to be less expense.

HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?

Mediation is a process where each party and his/her attorney meet with a neutral mediator in an effort to settle all issues of a legal dispute.  The mediator acts as a facilitator only, not a judge, by assisting the parties to resolve all issues of the dispute.  It is a confidential, non-adversarial approach. The mediator works with the parties  to brainstorm, creatively problem-solve, and formulate terms of an agreement that resolves the dispute.   Failure to reach agreement on all disputed issues would likely result in a trial.  Mediation can be done on a voluntary basis or may be court ordered by a judge. Most judges today require the parties to attend mediation before having a trial, especially when issues of child custody are involved.

HOW DOES COLLABORATIVE LAW WORK?

Collaborative law can be used to resolve many types of lawsuits without going to court.  It is an approach that is especially effective in family law disputes, including divorce and custody modifications.   A team of specially trained professionals work together with the parties in a respectful, honest, non-adversarial environment. Information is shared in good faith, using negotiation and problem solving to try and reach a fair and equitable resolution.

If you want to learn more about alternative  processes for settling legal disputes, don’t wait, let’s talk.  Contact me by e-mail or call me at (678)513-7070.