Family Law Mediation

Mediation is a great way to avoid long, protracted, and expensive litigation. It is often worth exploring mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods prior to filing in court. If parties are already in court, mediation can still be used at any time to settle.

What is Family Law Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where the parties work together with a neutral third-party mediator (usually a lawyer) to resolve any number of issues, including divorce, child support, alimony, and custody matters. Mediation can happen before or during litigation.

The main benefit of mediation is that it gives the parties the opportunity to come up with their own solution where each person achieves their primary goals. Mediation may be done in one long session or in multiple sessions.

Parties may choose to attend mediation individually or may bring their divorce lawyer.

Why You Should Try Mediation Before Proceeding With Litigation

Mediation offers many advantages over litigation, such as:

  • Avoids the substantial expenses of contested litigation;
  • Usually can be accomplished far more quickly than contested litigation; and
  • Allows for “out of the box” creativity in achieving a settlement that is not available in court.

What is the Role of a Family Lawyer in Mediation?

Each party can and should have the advice of their own counsel. In advance of mediation, that lawyer educates the party as to their rights and obligations under local law, explores the party’s primary objectives, and provides strategic advice. If the lawyer attends mediation (which is not a requirement), the lawyer is the client’s advocate. 

The mediator does not represent either party and cannot give legal advice. The mediator assesses the global situation, suggests options for resolution, and facilitates a compromise.

Why Work With One of Our Family Law Mediation Lawyers

Lerch Early’s divorce lawyers represent their clients in mediation and are available to serve as family law mediators. With a deep understanding of both sides of the mediation process, our attorneys can guide you through the process to achieve your goals.

Get Started With Mediation

Contact a Lerch Early family law mediator to find out if the mediation process is right for you, your spouse, and your family.

Success Stories

Gaining Physical Custody in Relocation Case

Challenge

The mother of our client’s children planned to move away for a new job opportunity, taking the children with her. She had been the primary parent, so our client wished to gain sole physical custody of the children, allowing them to remain in the DC area.

Strategy

Lerch Early argued before the court that the children would be best served to stay in this area with their father. We worked with key experts to demonstrate that a move to the new location would be detrimental to the children’s interests.

Result

The judge awarded sole physical custody to our client, allowing the children to remain in the environment where they attended school and had friends.

Insights