Alternatives to Traditional Litigation
Mediation and collaborative law can provide structured ways to address disputes outside a traditional trial process. These approaches may help parties exchange information, identify priorities, and work toward terms tailored to their circumstances.
Matters That May Be Suitable for Mediation or Collaborative Law
Depending on the process and the circumstances, mediation—or, in appropriate family matters, collaborative law—may be considered for disputes involving:
- Divorce and other marital-dissolution matters
- Separation and domestic-partnership matters
- Parent-child matters, including communication and parenting arrangements
- Employer-employee disputes
- Contract disputes
Suitability depends on factors such as safety, the parties’ willingness and ability to exchange necessary information, and whether each participant can make informed decisions without coercion.
Heidi T. Cochrane is trained in mediation and collaborative law. Whether either process is appropriate depends on the matter, the parties, and their ability to participate safely and productively. Visitors specifically seeking a neutral mediation process may also learn about Remote Family Mediation, her separate mediation service. Remote Family Mediation does not provide legal representation to mediation participants.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice.
Reviewed by Heidi T. Cochrane. Last updated August 12, 2026.