Denver, Colorado Attorney Mediator

I have represented many clients in Colorado in divorce; separation; property disputes; modification of parenting time/custody, child support, and spousal maintenance/support; and other matters.  I have seen the effect on clients in terms of emotional stress, money, time, and even increasing level of conflict with the other party.  That is why I chose to become a mediator.  I want to help parties have open and productive discussions about their disputes in a format that allows both parties to have their particular issues and concerns heard and addressed.

I mediate the following types of Colorado cases:

• Divorce
• LGBT Family Law matters
• Child Custody, Parenting Time, and Child Support
• Spousal Maintenance/Support/Alimony
• Property Division
• Real Property Disputes
• Dissolution of Domestic Partnership
• Modification of existing orders regarding divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance/support/alimony
• Relocation, parent moving out of state or to a distant location in Colorado
• Other Colorado civil matters

Mediation can occur before or after court proceedings, if any, are initiated.  In fact, in some circumstances, mediation can help avoid court all together.

Call me to discuss your mediation needs – (303)-832-2599.

What is mediation?
Mediation is a process in which the parties attempt to resolve their conflict themselves, rather than have a court decide their fate.  They work together to discuss the issues, explore settlement options, and reach agreement.  It may be entered into voluntarily or per a court order to engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

How much does mediation cost?
My rate for mediation services is $150/hour, with a two hour minimum.  A retainer is required prior to mediation, with the amount dependent upon the length of time scheduled for the mediation.  That retainer and all costs are divided evenly between the parties, unless otherwise ordered by the court or the parties all agree otherwise and all parties confirm the arrangement in writing to the mediator.

What is the role of a mediator?
The mediator serves as a neutral unbiased third-party to facilitate the mediation process.  She helps the parties identify the issues, those that are important to them and those that the situation dictate be addressed; explore settlement options; keeps the parties focused on the issues and resolution; maintains power balance and fairness in the process; and, if needed and wanted, drafts the agreement.

Does the mediator make the decisions?
No, the mediator does not make any decisions for you.  You, the parties, make the decisions.  You are empowered to make decisions that will work best for your situation.  If you do not reach an agreement, the mediator cannot make one for you.  The mediator can, however, offer suggestions you may not think of on your own.

What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation provides many benefits:

• Very often less expensive and faster than litigation
• Avoids the uncertainty and emotional stress of having a hearing on the matter
• Parties control the outcome, not the court, which very often results in the parties being more committed to following through on their obligations
• You can be more creative in your agreement than courts are when they make decisions
• Better chance of preserving a working relationship between the parties, which is especially important when the situation requires the parties continue to interact, such as when co-parenting
• Can address issues important to the parties but that are irrelevant in, and therefore not addressed by, the courts

Is mediation confidential?  What does that mean?
Yes, mediation is a confidential process.  In fact, you will be required to sign a mediation agreement which includes a confidentiality clause.  This means neither the mediator nor the parties are to discuss what happens in mediation.  This permits parties to discuss their concerns more openly and honestly during mediation, knowing that what they say can’t be taken to the judge, or to the community.

When should we go to mediation?
You can go to mediation at almost any time.  You can attend mediation before any court action is filed or while a case is pending.  But, remember, litigation is expensive (financially and emotionally), so you might want to mediate sooner rather than later.

What are the advantages of using an attorney mediator?
First, it is important to emphasize that while I am an attorney, I do not represent either side in a mediation setting.  I cannot advocate for one party’s position over the other.  I cannot give legal advice to either party.  However, my extensive Colorado court and negotiation experience does offer benefits to parties in mediation.  I can help the parties understand what going to court and to a hearing involves; I can help formulate agreements with the necessary details to avoid problems in implementation; I can give realistic assessments of settlement options; I can provide general information on the law as it relates to your case; and, I can draft the agreement in a format that can be submitted to the court for approval and entry as a court order.

Can I have an attorney with me in mediation?
Yes, you can have an attorney representing you as you go through mediation.  That attorney can attend mediation with you or, sometimes, the attorney does not attend mediation but is available to consult with during the process.

Call me to schedule your mediation  – (303)-832-2599.