For Lawyers
Most lawyers in a conventional practice of family law in Snohomish County expect mediation that is an evaluative settlement conference. In this model, prior to the mediation, both lawyers present to the mediator a written summary of the case with associated supporting documents. The mediation is conducted in caucus style due to high levels of conflict attendant to pending litigation and polarized positions. The mediator role is to further explore with each party their feelings and the facts, and analyze with them/their lawyers the options for settlement. The mediator assists to develop a binding CR2A agreement to put the litigation to rest.
Having practiced law for nearly 30 years, I know what lawyers want and need to get their litigation case settled. I have my laptop ready with forms and child support calculation software to get all the details discussed and done. I have a portable color printer, ready to print out drafts and final settlement documents. I closed my law practice to devote my attention exclusively to dispute resolution. This creates scheduling availability for you. Also, the lower overhead in turn allows me to offer dispute resolution services at a substantially lower cost than comparably qualified mediators.
I also am trained and experienced in collaborative law practice, and am very supportive of this newer law practice model. I will tailor any mediation to the special goals and needs of the parties.
I support the use of unbundled legal services, which also provides opportunities for clients of modest financial means. Options include providing legal counsel to a client before the client attends a mediation, have any mediated agreement be subject to legal review, and assist the client to present finalized orders to court.
Lawyers can creatively use mediation or arbitration to avoid the expense and frustration in litigation of temporary orders where the parties are limited to communication through declaration.
There is an increasing trend to allowing a settlement conference to convert to an arbitration if the issues have been fully and fairly presented but the parties have not been able to come to full agreement. I am available to provide this model of dispute resolution.
Similarly, many lawyers are increasingly submitting entire cases for resolution by arbitration, to gain the benefit of the less formal presentation and faster decision by a knowledgeable arbitrator.
Lawyers can help clients understand how parties can agree to use a mediator other than one specified in the dispute resolution provision in a parenting plan.
I am happy to talk to lawyers about the special characteristics of their case and how the case can be most effectively approached and resolved.