Mediation / Arbitration / Dispute Resolution
I am pleased to announce Hannah Gurewitz’s immediate availability for mediation in family law cases. Offering both half-day and full-day mediations, Hannah will be offering mediation services at $250 per hour, with a 4-hour advanced deposit.
Most of you are familiar not only with her litigation skills both inside and outside the courtroom, but also as a fair and reasoned Commissioner pro tem. She is well-respected by the bench, having recently been appointed by Commissioner McInvaille as Special Master in a family law case.
Hannah’s aptitude for resolving complex legal issues and calm, but direct demeanor, facilitates resolution even in the most challenging disputes.
Mediation is a process in which opposing parties attempt to reach an agreement outside of court with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. We can help you reach a cost-efficient, custom resolution that provides you the ability to resolve conflict at any stage of your litigation, including pre-filing, pre-trial and post-trial.
Mediation can help you resolve disputes relating to:
- Parenting
- Establishing Child Support
- Child Support Modification
- Child Support Disputes
- Establishing a Parenting Plan
- Parenting Plan Modification
- Parenting Plan Disputes
- Contempt
- Property Disputes
- Disputes relating to Dissolution of Marriage
- Disputes relating to Dissolution of a Committed Intimate Relationships
- Disputes relating to Minor Guardianships
Mediation offers a safe place for disagreeing parties to meet and attempt to resolves their disagreements. This voluntary process is led by an impartial mediator with the goal of helping the parties come to mutually agreed upon resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is mediation voluntary?
Generally, mediation is voluntary, although, sometimes it can be ordered by the Court. Generally mediation occurs on a mutually agreed upon date, with a mutually agreed upon mediator.
How long will mediation take?
Ms. Palmer asks that you set aside an entire day for mediation, and make arrangements in case the mediation goes longer than expected. Some mediations may not take this long. The exact amount of time depends on the issues involved.
What is the role of a mediator?
Your mediator is a neutral third-party who helps the parties come to a mutually agreed upon resolution. The mediator is not your attorney, and is does not provide legal advice.
Who Attends Mediation?
You can attend mediation with, or without your attorney. Third-parties are not permitted to attend mediation without prior authorization of the mediator.
Arbitration Services
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one an agreed upon arbitrator who make a binding decision.
Schedule a Mediation with Ms. Palmer
Rates: Mediation and arbitration rates are $300.00 per hour, with an advanced fee required.
Is Mediation Right For Your Family Law Case?
Although family law matters often inspired heightened emotions, getting divorced or resolving a child custody disagreement doesn’t have to be acrimonious. Unfortunately, going through a “traditional” court process does tend to encourage a more combative approach because of the adversarial nature of civil litigation. But thankfully, more collaborative and cooperative alternatives exist, including mediation.
If you’re interested in pursuing a mediated resolution to for your divorce or another family law issue, the Law Office of Sophia M. Palmer is here to help. We offer highly experienced representation in all aspects of your case, and we have seen firsthand how beneficial this process can be for many clients.
How Mediation Works
Instead of presenting arguments to the court and having a judge decide your fate, mediation allows you to reach a negotiated agreement with your spouse or co-parent. Mediation is utilized for various family law disputes, including:
- Divorce
- Child custody matters
- Asset and debt distribution
- Spousal support
During mediation, individual parties (including unmarried parents) work with their respective attorneys and have negotiations facilitated by a neutral party who works to create a settlement outside of the courtroom. Mediation proceedings can happen in advance of any litigation, or after it has been filed, with the ultimate goal of delivering an agreed-upon settlement that can be presented to the court. Compared to traditional litigation, mediation tends to be less expensive, faster, less stressful and less contentious. If successful, it also gives both parties more control over the outcome of the case.
When Mediation Is Not Appropriate
In order for mediation to work, both sides must be willing to participate and to negotiate in good faith. If your spouse does not participate, or if there is a severe power imbalance due to a history of domestic violence, mediation will not be possible or appropriate. If you are unsure about whether it would be a good approach for you, please share your concerns with us when we first meet.
Ready To Get Started? Contact Us Today.
Based in Tacoma, Washington, the Law Office of Sophia M. Palmer serves clients throughout the greater Tacoma area. To schedule your initial consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at 253-356-6460 or reach out online.
