Tailoring My Approach
According To Your Unique Situation

Mediation

Mediation, also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution, is a process by which you and the other side use a neutral third party (the mediator) to help you reach an agreement so you can avoid going to court. The advantage to mediation is that you and the opposing party, with the assistance of the mediator, are able to craft a resolution that will work for everyone instead of getting a cookie-cutter ruling from the judge that does not take into consideration the specific dynamics of your family needs and desires.

In Arkansas, all civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate cases can mediated. Domestic Relations mediation involves custody, property division, child support, alimony, etc. Probate mediation involves adoptions, guardianships, and decedent’s estates. I am certified to mediate Domestic Relations and Probate matters and focus solely on family-related matters (e.g., divorce, custody, adoption, guardianship) because those align with my family law practice.

Mediation is Empowering

Mediation leaves the decision-making power completely with you and the other side. The mediator does not weigh in on fault, “right” or “wrong”, the merits of the case, or the chances of success if the case is litigated. Instead, the mediator is a go-between who attempts to bring both sides together by identifying issues, facilitating communication, and guiding the process to avoid confrontation and hostility. However, the mediator will ask both sides to make concessions during the mediation process.

If the mediation is successful, the mediator will draft a document containing the agreement you and the other side reached during the mediation. The parties and their attorneys generally sign the document before leaving the mediation so everyone knows that the agreement is final and enforceable. The terms of your agreement might be reduced to a more formal order for the judge to sign or the document containing the agreement might be attached as an exhibit to an order that finalizes agreement.

Mediating Your Case

If you’re interested in learning more about mediating your family law, adoption, or guardianship case, please reach out to me online or by phone at 501-588-3427. I practice throughout Central Arkansas.