Using Mediation To Resolve Family Law Issues

Mediation is a viable method of resolving divorce and other family law disputes, such as child custody and support, out of court, with both parties present and participating. Resolution can often be reached in one or two sessions. All in all, mediation is typically much less expensive than proceeding with open-ended negotiations or a divorce contested in court.

At Rehmke Andreve, PS, our Fircrest mediation lawyers use mediation effectively to reach sensible solutions to family law issues. Give us a call today at 253-642-4541 to discuss your particular situation.

Is Mediation The Right Approach For Your Situation?

You may have only a few issues to resolve and believe that you can do so with a legal professional acting as a neutral, objective third party. Attorney Rachel Rolfs can serve as mediator, meeting with you and your opposing party and your attorneys to assist with the resolution of your issue from division of property to dissolution of a domestic partnership.

If requested, any agreements reached can be completed on the required court forms, to make finalization with the court a smooth process.

Our highly experienced firm effectively uses alternative methods and traditional litigation to resolve family law issues.

Mediation Fees

The fees are $300 per hour with the $600 nonrefundable deposit payable at the time of scheduling (that deposit covers the first two hours). The actual cost depends on the amount of time spent during the mediation (usually three to six hours), and the remaining amount is due and payable at the end of the session.

Mediation FAQs: Your Questions Answered

At Rehmke Andreve, PS, we are often asked common questions about mediation. The FAQ page below lists some of the most common questions and concerns about the mediation process we have received:

How do I set up a mediation?

You contact our office and speak with the legal assistant to set up the mediation. 

How long does the mediation take?

Mediation generally takes between two and six hours, depending on the complexity of the issues and the amount of cooperation between the parties.

If the other party set up the mediation, won’t attorney Rachel be on their side already?

No. Attorney Rachel does not meet with or speak to either party before the mediation begins. Her legal assistant sets it all up.

How do I prepare for mediation?

You will want to bring a list of the issues that you wish to resolve and a proposal on the resolution (but still be open and ready to negotiate other ways on how to do so).

If we reach an agreement, will attorney Rachel draft and enter the documents with the court for us?

Attorney Rachel will not be acting as an attorney for either of you, so while she may share her thoughts on a reasonable resolution, she will not be giving legal advice and will not be drafting documents or going to court on your behalf. However, attorney Rachel will have the necessary documents available, and if you plan to submit the agreement to the court, you can directly write your agreement onto those documents to prepare them for court submission.

Do I need an attorney for mediation?

No, but you can bring one if you want to. If you have any legal questions, you are welcome to contact an attorney during the mediation. If you do not have an attorney available to speak with during the mediation, you can stop the mediation and resume it on another day once you have your questions answered.

What if we do not reach an agreement?

If you do not reach an agreement, then you leave without an agreement. Attorney Rachel will not impose any agreement upon you. Any agreement is entirely voluntary by both parties.

If I offer something and the other party does not accept that proposal, can that party use it against me later in court?

No. Mediations and settlement offers are confidential and cannot be used against you later in court unless you sign a written agreement.

If you have more questions or would like tailored guidance, feel free to reach out to us anytime. Attorney Rachel and her team are here to help you with any of your mediation concerns.

Taking Action

For most Washington family law actions, the court requires the parties to participate in a settlement conference (mediation) prior to going to trial. To learn more about how a lawyer from our office can be of assistance in your family law matter, please call our firm at 253-642-4541 or complete the online form to schedule a consultation.