Mediation is a voluntary problem solving process. In mediation, the neutral mediator will ask questions to insure the participants have considered all aspects of their problem. The mediator may make suggestions regarding how to address a situation or get more information about options. But, the participants must develop their own settlement terms based on their particular needs and objectives. Collaborative, win/win resolutions are targeted. Mediation does not always resolve all issues but almost always reduces the number of disputes, decreasing both court time and costs. Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. The mediation process does not focus on or “protect” individual legal rights and interests — it is not adversarial. Although Rebecca is an attorney, no attorney client relationship results from meditation calls or sessions.

Mediation services are provided under a written agreement which establishes privilege (confidentiality) for all discussions, notes and records of the mediation; Rebecca doesn’t testify in court or disclose any notes or records. Mediations for business or complex non-family cases have specialized mediation agreements which often involve formal schedules for exchange of information and sessions. Attorneys or participants may schedule sessions. Sessions can be held with or without attorneys present, as the participants choose. Mediation ends when there is a settlement, someone chooses not to continue, or when Rebecca feels that further sessions will be of no benefit. For an estimate of the time required in mediation to address a given problem, please call.

Family law mediations are conducted at the dispute resolution office. Non-family cases are often held at a location convenient to the participants, particularly matters involving paper or electronic records not easily or inexpensively reproduced. Mediation location is a decision made mutually by the participants and embodied in the mediation agreement in non-family cases. Please call the office for more information.

The agreement requires each participant pay an equal share of the hourly rate charged by Rebecca. Payment for each mediation session is due at the end of each session. In complex cases (non- family cases), case information and financial retainers are required before the first session. If documents are prepared for mediation participants, the documents must be paid for when the documents are picked up. Mastercard and Visa payments are accepted.

Rebecca mediates all family matters including planning for care and financial supervision of an aging or disabled family member, contested adoptions as well as divorce-related matters and child custody. Mediation services for other civil areas vary significantly. Please call the office to determine if mediation might provide benefit to your situation.