protecting what’s most important to you

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where the parties work together with a neutral mediator to resolve issues without litigation. The desired outcome, derived through a process of negotiation and compromise, is a settlement where each person has achieved his or her primary goals.

Each party can and should have the advice of their own counsel. In advance of mediation, that lawyer educates the party as to his/her 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 assesses the global situation and facilitates a compromise.

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 settlement that is not available to judges.

Lerch Early’s divorce attorneys are experienced in serving as and working with mediators, as well as in conducting alternative dispute resolution both in person and via remote, online platforms.

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