What is Mediation?
Mediation is a form of “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” and is a confidential process conducted with a neutral facilitator, i.e., the mediator, to identify and resolve issues associated with parents who do not live together or are going through a divorce. (This office also handles disputes outside of the family law context.) The parties meet with the mediator to assist them in reaching agreements on disputed issues, aided by the mediator, who may offer solutions parties or counsel have not considered. Mediation can occur with all parties (and their counsel, should the parties decide to bring counsel) in the same room, or separate rooms with the mediator shuttling between them. The two-room approach is particularly useful in high-stress situations, those with a history of abuse, or when one party would like to speak in confidence to the mediator. A mediator cannot be called to testify in court, and even if she is an attorney cannot ever represent any of the parties as it would be a conflict of interest.
Mediation can also take place by telephone if the parties agree. Liz will travel to a location in the Denver Metro area for no additional cost, or hold the mediation in her office in Arvada. Parties may mediate with or without counsel present. Liz specializes in Divorce and Family Law matters, and practices before all Courts in the Denver Metro area.
“Setting up a mediation session is as simple as emailing or calling the office and arranging an appointment. We can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 720-261-3692.”
Mediation is a form of “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” and is a confidential process conducted with a neutral facilitator, i.e., the mediator, to identify and resolve issues associated with parents who do not live together or are going through a divorce. (This office also handles disputes outside of the family law context.) The parties meet with the mediator to assist them in reaching agreements on disputed issues, aided by the mediator, who may offer solutions parties or counsel have not considered. Mediation can occur with all parties (and their counsel, should the parties decide to bring counsel) in the same room, or separate rooms with the mediator shuttling between them. The two-room approach is particularly useful in high-stress situations, those with a history of abuse, or when one party would like to speak in confidence to the mediator. A mediator cannot be called to testify in court, and even if she is an attorney cannot ever represent any of the parties as it would be a conflict of interest.
Mediation can also take place by telephone if the parties agree. Liz will travel to a location in the Denver Metro area for no additional cost, or hold the mediation in her office in Arvada. Parties may mediate with or without counsel present. Liz specializes in Divorce and Family Law matters, and practices before all Courts in the Denver Metro area.
“Setting up a mediation session is as simple as emailing or calling the office and arranging an appointment. We can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 720-261-3692.”
Seeking an easier path forward?
Effective Conflict Resolution
Seeking an easier path forward?
Effective Conflict Resolution
The mediation process in four steps:
Handle administrative issues. Meet with the mediator, sign the agreement to mediate, learn some ground rules, ask questions about the mediator and the process.
Identify and clarify issues and concerns. The parties and the mediator will work together to come up with a list of items to address. The mediator may bring up other related issues the parties have not thought about, but tie in with their case, or may crop-up or cause problems in the future if not address at the same time.
Our Family Mediator, LLC, can assist in the preparation of all documents needed to complete your divorce or paternity action. However, more than one session may be required, as the parties may need to gather materials or consult with experts. In these circumstances, you may not leave the first session with an agreement in hand but a to-do list of things to complete before returning, such as valuing property, getting debt numbers in order, or meeting with specialists or experts. If you come in for single-session and already have the necessary documentation or expert reports, then we strive to ensure you leave with a fully drafted and signed document, which either party or counsel can file with the court. Each case is individual and therefore requires a different strategy. Retainers are required if the mediation is longer than one session.
After all necessary information and documents are compiled and exchanged, and the issues identified, the parties work with the mediator to arrive at reasonable solutions. The mediator has years of experience dealing with family-law related matters and has handled well over 7000 cases in her capacity as a mediator and attorney. Her expertise is invaluable, as she can provide the parties with many creative options to help resolve disputes; handle children’s issues; aid in the division of property and debt; assist in the calculation maintenance (also known as spousal support or alimony), and dealing with tax issues. The mediator can offer valuable insight into not only the law but how the courts typically handle matters. Additionally, she can think outside of the box and will work to come up with creative solutions to the problems. As mediation is much more flexible than litigation, it is the best method to settle disputes that parties cannot or are unable to resolve on their own.
Liz will draft all necessary documents resulting in a fair, final, and enforceable settlement. By considering issues that the parties may not even be aware of, clarifying what the parties understanding is, and drafting a binding agreement, she can aid the parties in resolving their issues, avoiding conflict, doing what is best for their children, and lets them move on with their lives. If she is drafting all divorce-related pleadings, she will also complete this paperwork as well. People hit rough patches in their relationship all the time. How they get through these patches is what counts. Parties working together for the sake of their children, and frankly for their well-being, is always the way to go.
Our office maintains the full-suite of up-to-date software required in family law cases.
Want to know more? Call us at (303) 431-9792, or email us at [email protected] with questions. We are here to help you determine if this process is right for you.
Our office maintains the full-suite of up-to-date software required in family law cases.
Want to know more? Call us at (303) 431-9792, or email us at [email protected] with questions. We are here to help you determine if this process is right for you.
