Mediation Services

 

 

 

 

Nearly every case filed in the state court system must go through the mediation process before trial.  Also, before filing suit, some people decide to seek the assistance of a mediator to see if their issues can be resolved without incurring substantial attorneys’ fees in the court system.  Our firm offers the services of a certified mediator: Jennifer L. Sweeting, a certified family law mediator.  In mediation, the parties are involved actively in resolving their own case with the assistance of an independent third party, the mediator, who helps to find a solution.  This alternative to court resolution of disputes allows the parties themselves to determine their own destinies instead of putting their fates in the hands of a single judge or six jurors.  Communications made during mediation, with limited exceptions, are deemed privileged and confidential.  Thus, the parties are able to freely engage in settlement discussions without the threat of their words being used against them in court.  Another advantage of mediation is that the parties can fashion unusual or different forms of relief that is outside the realm of the remedies a court is authorized to provide.  Nearly eighty percent of the cases mediated are resolved without further court involvement or expense.  Mediation is a successful, time-saving, and resource-saving alternative means of resolving disputes.