Everett Mediation Attorney Offers an Alternative to Divorcing Spouses

Snohomish County family law firm assists couples looking to avoid court

Unlike many other legal disputes, family law cases often involve individuals who will need to remain in contact long after the case is closed. Consequently, it can be very useful to resolve differences using a method that averts unnecessary friction and concludes with each party believing that the outcome achieves at least some of their main objectives. At the Law Office of Robert N. Getz, P.S. in Everett, I am an accomplished Washington attorney who serves as a family law mediator for pro se (unrepresented by counsel) parties. My firm also advocates for clients in mediations concerning divorce terms and parenting matters. Whether you’re required to participate in this process by the court or are just looking for a more collaborative means of ending your marriage, I can assist you from start to finish.

What are the advantages of mediation?

If you are commencing the divorce process, have a child custody disagreement that you haven’t been able to settle or think you need some outside help to move past another type of domestic legal conflict, mediation offers many potential benefits, including:

• Timing — Any type of litigation is conducted on the court’s schedule. Delays caused by busy calendars and procedural maneuvering can be particularly harmful in a family law matter where emotions are already high and children might be involved. Mediation allows the parties to pursue a resolution in a timely manner.
• Cost — Shortening the divorce process should lead to lower legal fees during a time when finances might already be strained.
• Privacy — You might not be comfortable arguing over personal issues in open court. When you attempt to work out disputes with the assistance of a mediator, you can discuss private matters in an office setting and maintain a measure of control over the outcome.
• Peace of mind — Litigation is an inherently adversarial process. Even relatively minor disagreements can become heated as each side tries to gain an advantage with the judge. Conversely, a skillful mediator can ease tensions and keep everyone focused on what’s most important. 

While these factors make mediation a good option for many Washington residents, some conflicts are better resolved in other ways. Preparing for litigation might be a better strategy when the couple is unwilling to compromise or when one party feels intimidated by the other due to a history of domestic violence or some other reason.

How family law mediation works

In family law mediation, parties going through a divorce, parenting conflict or other type of dispute appear before a qualified, neutral third party who tries to bridge the gap that exists between them. Each case is unique, and the amount of sessions that might be required to reach an agreement varies, but after learning about your situation, I can provide an educated assessment as to how your mediation will proceed. When serving as a mediator, I look for creative ways to forge consensus and use my decades of family law experience to help parties see how the position they’ve taken would be viewed by a judge.

Experienced lawyer guides parties toward a settlement agreement

At the end of a successful mediation process, the parties are able to execute a settlement agreement that can be submitted to the court. As a trained mediator and advocate who represents parties in various methods of alternative dispute resolution, I know how to overcome obstacles and prepare sound marital dissolution documents that accurately reflect the terms agreed upon during mediation. If consensus cannot be achieved, my firm represents clients during divorce litigation. 

Contact a Washington attorney for a free consultation about family law mediation

The Law Office of Robert N. Getz, P.S. in Everett conducts family law mediation for Washington residents. For a free 10-minute phone consultation, please call 866-360-8050 or contact me online.