Columbus Mediation Attorney
Family Law specialists with over 59 years of experience.
Not every family law dispute needs to be contentious. Instead, family members can reach an agreement on key issues, which will allow them to resolve their dispute faster and with less anger. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to even begin working through their disagreements in a collaborative manner.
At the Lawrence Law Office, we have built our reputation practicing mediation, which is one technique that allows squabbling people to come together to find compromise. If you are trying to find common ground with a family member, contact us today. We are happy to describe our services.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a form of guided negotiation that happens outside of court. Instead of appearing before a judge, a couple meets with a mediator, who is a neutral third party. This person does not act like a judge or decide the case in any way. For example, a mediator will not decide who “wins” or who is “wrong.” Instead, the mediator is there to listen and to help the parties communicate with each other.
Mediators are also skilled at coming up with creative solutions that are not obvious to the parties or other people. Many people leave mediation realizing that they could have solved their disagreements all along had they only thought of the right solution.
Mediation is used in all sorts of family law disputes, such as
- Divorce
- Child custody disputes
- Paternity suits
- Disagreements about visitation
- Adoption
Whenever people disagree, mediation can help them begin listening to each other and to find common ground.
Why is Mediation Beneficial?
In the typical legal dispute, you don’t know the person on the other side of the courtroom. Some stranger struck you with their vehicle, or an anonymous big business sold you a defective product. Chances are, you will never see the person who injured you again after you finish the lawsuit.
Family law disputes are different. If you are divorcing, you will probably see your ex in the future, especially if you have children together. People stay in contact, and their relationships can be poisoned by litigation.
Instead of using adversarial techniques like lawsuits, mediation can help people truly understand why they disagree. If you really listen to another person, you might find out their fears aren’t irrational. Parties are then well positioned to work in good faith to reach a compromise that all can live with. This will allow the relationship to continue in an amicable fashion going forward. If you are divorcing with young children, you will be in contact with your ex for well over a decade. Nobody wants to be angry for that length of time.
Mediation is also cost effective. Lawsuits can drag on for years, which costs our clients money and increases stress. By engaging in mediation, many of our clients resolve disputes fairly quickly, which allows them to move forward in a stronger financial position.
What if We Can’t Agree?
Mediation requires a good-faith effort to compromise. Nevertheless, not every dispute can be resolved with mediation, even when couples are trying their best to reach agreement. If certain issues remain unresolved, you can always go to court to have a judge resolve the dispute. You might also resolve some issues in mediation (like the division of property in a divorce) while being unable to resolve others (like child custody).
Remember, mediation is voluntary, and no one can “force” you to accept a proposed resolution. Instead, you always retain the right to get up from the mediation table and head to court.
Why Should You Hire the Lawrence Law Office?
As a Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law, Linda Lawrence has made mediation the backbone of her practice. She has built up extensive experience helping parents handle disagreements involving visitation (called parenting time) as well as other issues. Linda has obtained the credential of Ohio domestic relations mediator, based on her specialized course work in family and divorce.
Hiring a mediator who is also an attorney is a great benefit. Attorneys are held to the highest ethical standards and are overseen by the state’s disciplinary board. Attorneys also understand the details of the law, so they are better positioned to neutrally explain how a judge would likely rule if mediation fails and you end up appearing before the bench.
Speak to Us Today
If you can’t stomach the thought of stressful litigation, reach out to the Lawrence Law Office today. We are happy to serve as mediator for your dispute. Alternately, if you are in mediation, we can represent your interests. Parties can attend mediation with a lawyer, who can always keep your interests at the forefront.
To talk about your options, you can schedule a consultation with us by calling 614-333-9326.
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Our Practice Areas
Family Law
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Divorce
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