Ending an intimate relationship is an overwhelming experience. It is complicated—emotionally, financially, legally and procedurally. Many people do not know where to begin. Few want to hire lawyers for a battle, but no one wants to feel vulnerable and taken advantage of. Most people just want a fair settlement that gets them and their children what they need.

Today’s separating spouses have many options, including mediation, litigation, collaborative practice, arbitration, negotiating with legal professionals, or doing it themselves. It is important to have an individual meeting with a mediator, before you choose mediation, to decide whether the process is the right one for you. Some people will retain a lawyer to help them in the mediation while others feel comfortable mediating on their own.

Whichever way it is done, mediation should be a fair, safe, balanced, informed and affordable way to resolve difficult problems. Our team of mediators is ready to help lawyers and their clients settle the toughest cases in the best possible way.

Mediation empowers the parties to resolve all aspects of their dispute in a way that is best for them. Mediation respects the needs of each person involved including extended family members. Family mediation allows parents to stay focused on the needs of their children. Mediation is less adversarial, less stressful and less expensive than going to court. Research shows that people who use mediation are usually more satisfied with both the process and the outcome than people who use the courts to resolve their disputes.

Each party completes our online intake form found here. You will sign our Family Mediation Agreement at the same time. Please read it before submitting your form. Once we have both intake forms, we will schedule confidential intake meetings with each of you. This will help us focus on whether both parties are ready and willing to participate in good faith negotiation, and what you will need to make the most of mediation.

We will want to have a call with your lawyers next, if you have lawyers, or with you, to find out how we can best help you and them get your case settled. We will schedule one or more mediation sessions with you (and your lawyers if you wish) for either a half or a full day. Our flat rate fees can be paid online before each session.

A mediator is a referee, a knowledgeable guide, a source of legal information ( but not legal advice), an impartial and realistic “sounding board”, and an expert in helping people in distress communicate better.

A mediator provides a fair and safe process for people to assess their needs, stay focused, communicate effectively, and find a satisfactory outcome. Mediators are neutral towards all parties but directive when it comes to providing a fair and balanced process.

A mediator will help parties work through proposed solutions to ensure they are realistic and workable. Although a mediator will provide legal information, they cannot give legal advice.

We will discuss disclosure requirements at the intake meetings and in the mediation planning call with you or your lawyers. We generally require the same disclosure that a court would require so that both parties can feel confident that they are making informed decisions.

Be prepared. Know your case, and the other party’s case. Read all the materials that have been exchanged. Come ready to negotiate. Be prepared to make proposals. Anticipate what proposals the other party might make and be prepared to respond to them. Bring any professionals you need to help you such as a lawyer or accountant.

We charge flat rates for intake meetings and flat half and full day rates. Each mediator charges an hourly rate for any additional time. All rates are usually paid equally by the parties. The number of hours or meetings varies widely based on the circumstances of the case. Our fee schedule is linked to your Family Mediation Agreement.

Mediation is a legal negotiation. We will need to know that each party fully understands their legal rights and obligations. The best way to do this is to have a lawyer or legal advice. If you are ready to make a deal, we strongly advise you to have a lawyer present so that binding minutes of settlement can be signed during the mediation.