Mediation is a confidential, nonadversarial process, where the parties work with a mutually chosen neutral, the mediator, to assist them in the resolution of their conflict. Mediation is an effective tool for minimizing conflict, reducing court costs, and preserving the parties’ relationship, which is particularly important for coparents. The process can be used to resolve all types of family law disputes, including complicated, multi-issue divorce cases, legitimation cases, modification of prior child custody and/or child support orders, and crafting plans where a party has been unable to fulfill their obligations of a prior court order or agreement and may be facing contempt of court. The end product of the mediation process is a Mediated Memorandum of Understanding, prepared by the mediator and signed by the parties.
 
Alice’s Process: Mediation sessions will be scheduled in three-hour blocks of time via Zoom. Prior to the first session, Alice will send Mediation Guidelines for each party to review and sign. These guidelines set the ground rules for the mediation. The first session is primarily spent gathering information and identifying contested issues. If possible, the parties and Alice will remain together in the same “room.” Mediation deals with deeply personal issues and can be emotionally difficult at times, so, if needed, Alice will create breakout rooms and will meet with the parties separately. Cases involving domestic violence will always only use breakout rooms.
 
Subsequent sessions will be used to discuss possible outcomes and to move the parties toward consensus. The number of sessions depends upon the complexity of the issues and the stamina of each of the parties.
 
The process outlined here is designed for parties who have not yet filed a petition with the court and are seeking a resolution without litigation. Attorneys may be present but are not required. If a case has been filed with the court and you would like for Alice to be your mediator, please have your attorneys contact Alice to make arrangements.
 
Divorce Mediation Tips: It is helpful to prepare by identifying financial and retirement accounts and having statements available. The parties should be prepared with the estimated fair market value of property, including homes, vehicles, boats, etc., as well as statements for the balances of any mortgages and/or liens. Spousal support may be an issue to discuss. Where children are involved, issues regarding custody, parenting time and support will be discussed. The parties’ incomes and expenses will be part of these discussions, so it is important to be prepared with that information.
 
Modification/Contempt Tip: Please send any prior orders to Alice in advance of the mediation session. It is helpful to be prepared with your income and financial information.
 
Fees: Alice charges $300 per hour for mediation services. Unless other payment arrangements are made in advance, prior to each three-hour session, an invoice will be sent via LawPay to each party for $450.00 ($900.00) total. Payment must be made prior to the beginning of the session. Refunds for unused time are considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
Scheduling: Please use Alice’s Calendly. One party should schedule the session, using "Add Guest" to include the other party in scheduling. Please reach out if you do not see an available block of time that works. Alice has limited after-hours and weekend slots available.