Halow Dispute Resolutions offers divorce and custody mediation services from an experienced mediator with specialized family law mediation training, strong interpersonal skills, and a background in law and conflict resolution.
Divorce and Custody Mediation
If you are interested in mediating your divorce or custody case, I am here to help. I have a strong background in the law, have successfully mediated hundreds of cases, and am registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution as a family law mediator. I am located in Athens, Georgia and available for travel throughout North East Georgia. To schedule a mediation session, please email me at info@halowdr.com or call me at 706-850-7838.
If you aren’t sure if you want to try mediation, read the answers to some commonly asked questions about divorce mediation below, or contact me to find out more.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a structured negotiation process in which a neutral, third party mediator helps parties in conflict work towards a voluntary agreement that resolves their differences. The mediator creates a safe environment that protects the rights of all parties and preserves their ability to negotiate free from duress. The mediator also helps the parties clarify their objectives, communicate them more effectively, and recognize opportunities to resolve conflicts in ways that lead to “win/win” results and improve relationships.
Why should I mediate? Why not fight it out in court?
Divorce is difficult enough. Fighting over children, assets, debts, and support obligations in court never helps. It just makes things that much tougher – emotionally, mentally, and financially.
Litigation costs a fortune, and can drag on for years. Because by nature it’s an adversarial process, if you litigate you and your divorcing spouse will end up focused on “winning” and assigning blame, instead of solving problems. That will increase the conflict between you, and the emotional trauma you will experience. And in the end, thousands and thousands of dollars and years later, you will end up with a court-imposed resolution that is no better than what you could have negotiated in mediation – and probably worse. If you have children with your ex-spouse, litigating will also set the stage for a lot more conflict post-divorce.
Mediation is completely different. It is quick, effective, and efficient. It costs a fraction of what litigating costs. The focus is on solving problems, and finding resolutions that will work for you and let you get on with your life. I won't impose a resolution on you, and you won’t be forced to settle anything or compromise any legal rights against your will. In the process, you and your ex-spouse may even be able to restore a civil, working relationship with each other, setting the stage for better cooperation on issues like parenting post-divorce.
The many benefits of mediation in divorce settings are well documented by research. If you’d like to see a quick summary of some of those research-validated benefits, click here.
What issues can you help me with in mediation?
Because mediation is a much more flexible process than litigating in court, we can address any issue that is important to you – even issues that aren’t strictly legal. That being said, divorce mediations typically cover any of the following things:
- the equitable division of marital assets (and debts)
- alimony
- parenting plans
- child support
- the tax implications of your decisions
- any other legal issues applicable to your case
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is confidential and private. At the start of the mediation session, you and your spouse will sign a contract that includes your promise to keep what happens in the mediation confidential. I will also be bound by that agreement. With a few very narrow exceptions (threats of violence, intent to commit criminal acts, and allegations of child abuse), nothing we discuss in the mediation will be reported to any court or other outside person or organization. Because mediation is considered a settlement negotiation, what you talk about in the mediation normally cannot be used as evidence in court.
What type of mediation services do you offer?
I offer several different styles of mediating, to match up with your wants and needs. For attorneys and the parties they represent, I offer “traditional” mediation, where the parties and their attorneys meet one or perhaps two times for lengthy mediation sessions. This process can be very productive and efficient, especially if you need to find a resolution of your case very quickly.
I also offer “client-centered mediation” for divorcing people whether or not they are represented by attorneys. In this model, I meet with both of you over multiple, relatively short sessions, and we work through the process together at a more relaxed pace. This has the advantage of allowing you to carefully consider your options, seek outside help from other professionals (such as therapists, attorneys, and financial advisors) when and if you need it, and make sure you reach agreements that work best for you. Client-centered mediation is the best way to mediate a divorce if time allows, and is often less expensive than traditional mediation because outside professionals are involved only as you need them, rather than throughout the entire mediation whether you need them or not.
Do I have to be in the same room as my spouse when we mediate?
Although I always encourage divorcing spouses to meet and work out their conflicts together if possible, you do not have to be in the same room if that is a problem for you. As long as both of you are present at the mediation, if you prefer you can stay in separate rooms and I can meet privately with each of you. Even if we do meet together during the initial stages of the mediation, moving each of you into separate rooms and mediating that way is still a viable option.
Can you give me legal or financial advice?
As a mediator, my role is to serve as a neutral party to assist you and your divorcing spouse to resolve your divorce. Although I can (and will) give you useful information to help you assess your decisions, I won’t give you legal or financial advice. But, you have the right to either have an attorney present with you during the mediation, or have the opportunity to consult with an attorney before any agreement you reach takes effect.
If you do not have an attorney at the start of your mediation, but would like legal counsel, I keep a list of “mediation friendly” attorneys – lawyers who will give you solid legal advice about your decisions, but will not “blow up” the settlement agreement for the sake of blowing it up – that I would be happy to share with you.
Where are you located? Can you travel?
My office is located in Athens, Georgia. However, I am available for travel in Athens-Clarke County and all nearby counties in North East Georgia. Private divorce mediations with parties who are not represented by counsel in the Athens area typically happen in my office.
What do you charge?
Mediation of family law disputes is charged at an hourly rate. My hourly rate for family law mediations occurring in Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Madison, Oglethorpe, and Jackson counties is $62.50 per hour per party ($125 per hour total). My rate for mediations occurring outside that area is $75 per hour per party ($150 per hour total). Fees are typically (but not always) divided equally between the parties. Payment is due at the time mediation occurs.
General Civil Mediation
HDR also offers general civil mediation services at competitive rates. Please contact us if you have a general civil matter you would like to mediate.
Thumbtack Listing
Check out my divorce and custody mediation listing at Thumbtack. I've answered some additional questions about mediation, and you can leave reviews and feedback if you are a former or current client.
