Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation is a process in which a neutral person facilitates communication between two parties to promote settlement and assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute.  Our mediators have conducted many mediations over the last 10 years.  We are successful at incorporating the knowledge we’ve gained from our courtroom expertise into our mediation process.  Mediation has been shown to leave parties more satisfied than a court-imposed decision.  Mediation is less expensive than a trial, and offers the parties a chance to confidentially explore options that may not be possible at trial.

Domestic Conciliation is a process that helps the parties work toward a settlement of their disputes, generally in custody-related matters.  Domestic Conciliation is not confidential.  The conciliator can make a recommendation to the court, regarding any issues the parties cannot reach agreement.  Our conciliators are highly-trained to remain neutral even when making recommendations, and we always put the needs of the children at the forefront of our work

Case Management is a process in which a court-appointed neutral manages disputes and makes recommendations about ongoing conflicts between two parents.  Our case managers are frequently appointed by the courts when the case is considered to be “high-conflict”, and we have successfully handled several cases where the parents have been able to move out of case management after working with us over a period of several months or years.

Parent Coordination is a process in which a neutral alternative dispute professional will assist the parties in following their current parenting plan.  The PC may make decisions in reports or recommendations to the court.  A parenting coordinator can be appointed for up to 2 years, so it is important to find a provider you trust to remain neutral throughout the process.