Mediation

Mediation has an excellent success rate. Now even the courts recommend it, simply because mediation produces results.

Mediation is a process in which two or more people work with and an independent, highly trained neutral expert (mediator, attorney,or educator),to resolve serious conflicts without all of the cost and wasted time associated with a courtroom and litigation. The mediator helps the parties clearly define their issues and reach an agreement that is in the best interest of everyone involved.
Mediation is sometimes referred to as facilitated negotiation. Mediators can help negotiate the resolution of a dispute even under the most difficult circumstances. However, it is never a simple or easy process when your assets or important aspects of your own life, business, or family are embroiled in intense controversy.

Many times there are very strong and emotional feelings between people, sometimes justified and sometimes not, which makes them unable to effectively communicate with each other. The mediator can help restore, adjust and reopen those lines of communication, and help resolve the conflict. At ALTERNATIVE LAW we assist our clients in developing creative, alternative solutions and multiple options that will work in the short term and withstand the test of time.

Ultimately, we believe that the best idea wins and it emerges from effectively combining the ideas of all the interested parties and crafting a unique solution to their issues. The agreement must be both mutually acceptable and the resolution must clearly address each party's particular concerns.

Nationwide mediation has about 70% success and satisfaction level, which is higher than any court system. While our rate at ALTERNATIVE LAW is almost 90%, there are no guarantees of complete settlement, as that would be unethical and improper. However your odds of reaching a settlement are very good. Mediation makes sense personally, professionally, and economically for all parties involved. Also,at Alternative Law, if you are not satisfied with our services you are entitled to your money back after attending three sessions.

The business of life is getting harder every day. The toll, time, and expense it takes on lawyers, judges and most importantly, you, the client, is an exhausting fact of life for us all. It does not have to be that way. Mediation makes the law work for you. ALTERNATIVE LAW'S Mediation Program is a civil solution, that works, with you and for you.

We offer a complimentary first consultation and also a money back guarantee. There is no obligation, if you are interested in learning more about our services, please give us a call at our toll free number: 1.800.LAW.1516 or 1.800.529.1516.

Why chose ALTERNATIVE LAW's Mediation program ?
Simply, because it works better and it is quicker than most other processes.You an chose the type of dispute resolution that suits you best. If you do not know we will help you determine it.

Mediation has an excellent track record. Ask any lawyer, it is a well known legal fact that 90-95% of all cases settle before trial, but only after the majority of legal fees have been paid. Why should you wait and incur the cost of two or more lawyers? Mediation costs less, is more efficient and most times you need just hire one mediator and not two lawyers to do the actual work on your case. While we recommend that you have a lawyer review our process or agreements if you chose, in many states it is not required nor is it necessary. Many mediators are also lawyers and if you feel the need to have a lawyer-mediator you can have one. It certainly makes sense to try this process, as if it does not work, you can always go back and hire two lawyers, 1 lawyer for each party. We so believe in our process that we have a no cost introductory first session to help educate the parties about mediation and answer any questions. For those people who are first time users of our system, we also offer a money back guarantee. After attending three sessions, if you are not satisfied with our services, you are entitled to a refund.

Is mediation new and is it a proven process?
Many of you may not know that mediation has been around since biblical times. That makes it at least 2 thousand years old, very well time tested and proven. However, not everyone understands its role in the legal system because L.A., Law, The Practice, and Perry Mason have received all of publicity over the years. There is much more drama and of course, corresponding costs for the courtroom, the lawyers, and the judges. Mediation has just results for all parties.
In the United States over the last quarter of a century. mediation has become the fastest growing and least expensive way to resolve personal and professional disputes in all types of conflicts such as civil litigation, corporate disagreements, and divorce. It is so well respected process that is now recommended and proposed by almost all state and federal courts across the United States of America.

What does it cost?
Cost is a critical component in any professional service. People often chose mediation because they receive excellent service and only have to pay one mediator, versus paying two lawyers. Our rates range from $50 per hour to $ 200 per hour, per party depending upon the complexity of the dispute, and the qualifications and experience of the mediator.

How long does it take?
Each conflict case is unique in its own ways,and requires different needs and resources. As a result no estimate of time can be precise. However, we have a guideline for divorce cases which average 7-10 sessions and commercial cases, require a minimum of 4 hours.