Solutions Through Mediation

Mediation is a process by which the mediator assists the parties in reaching their own resolution of the issues involved in

their divorce or other family matter.  As a family practice lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and with extensive training in divorce mediation, Tim Anderson is qualified not only to assist parties in settling their disputes but also to assure the parties that the agreements they reach will be proper in both substance and form to be approved by a judge.  Mediated agreements ultimately must be approved by a judge to become binding upon the parties and constitute the terms of their divorce judgment or other final court order.

Unlike a judge, the mediator does not impose any outcomes on the parties.   He gathers information from the parties, hears each party's position as to his or her desired outcome on a given issue, and then offers possible solutions to those issues.  People are generally able to abide by agreements they reach on their own more easily than by outcomes imposed upon them by a judge.

Mediation is typically less expensive and less demanding of the parties' time and emotions than traditional litigation.  Litigation, though sometimes necessary, is expensive and emotionally draining.

Parties who are not represented by lawyers may find the mediation process especially helpful in making their way through the legal process.  However, parties participating in mediation are still free to retain an lawyer should they so desire.