Mediation and collaborative law are structured ways to address divorce, family, and selected civil disputes outside a traditional trial. The appropriate process depends on the issues involved, each participant’s ability to exchange necessary information, and whether decisions can be made freely and with a clear understanding of the options.
Mediation, Collaborative Law, and Legal Representation
Mediation is a neutral process intended to help participants identify issues, explore options, and work toward voluntary agreements. A mediator does not act as either participant’s lawyer. Collaborative law is a separate process in which participants and their counsel work toward resolution through a structured, non-court-focused approach. Whether either process is suitable depends on the facts, safety considerations, and the participants’ ability to engage productively.
Matters That May Be Suitable
Depending on the process and circumstances, mediation or collaborative law may be considered for:
- Divorce, separation, and other family-law matters
- Parenting arrangements, communication, and support-related questions
- Property, financial, and agreement issues connected with divorce
- Selected contract, employment, and civil disputes
When a Different Approach May Be Needed
Negotiated processes are not appropriate for every matter. A party may need individual legal advice, additional information, protective measures, or a different forum when there are unresolved safety concerns, a significant imbalance of information or power, or an issue that requires court intervention.
Discuss Your Options
Heidi T. Cochrane is trained in mediation and collaborative law. The firm can discuss whether legal representation, a collaborative process, or another path may fit your circumstances after a conflict and suitability review. Visitors seeking a neutral mediation process may also learn about Remote Family Mediation, a separate mediation service that does not provide legal representation to participants. Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through an initial inquiry.