Jeff Murphy

I started to use mediation for my divorce because I was told it was cheaper than a full time lawyer. I stayed with it because it worked great. Jeff kept both sides on even terms, taking the time to explain the other person's position and keeping arguments to a minimum. I was able to set my own pace, ...which was slow, and set up appointments or not. The whole divorce took longer than I thought it would, however, in the end, it worked. My husband didn't feel pressured to make decisions and give up things he didn't want to give up. He was happy with the outcome because he had a say in every decision. We were able to discuss everything together, face to face, and not thru a lawyer who wanted to fight for the world and bill us for it. We divided property and parenting time. Even though a lawyer was needed to finalize specific legal areas, my mediation expense was much less than it would have been had I used a lawyer the whole time. I would definitely recommend mediation as an option for working thru the divorce process, and a much cheaper option too.

When I confided to a friend that I was contemplating divorce, she immediately referred me to Jeff Murphy and Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan. She explained that a mediator could assist my husband and me in reaching a reasonable settlement prior to involving attorneys and the court. Because... I anticipated some animosity, I enlisted Jeff Murphy's assistance and discovered first hand how essential a 3rd party can be in settlement negotiations. During our consultation, Jeff conversed with us as a couple and then separately. He explained his role in full detail, disclosed his rates and gave us an estimate on the specifics of our case. Most importantly, he set the expectations for our involvement in the mediation process. Throughout our negotiations, Jeff was courteous, responsive, and always ready to offer fresh perspective on everything from finding the right attorney to division of assets/debts. He was particularly insightful in his recommendation on how to manage parenting time. Jeff is well connected within the Family Law community and recommended an excellent attorney to handle the courtroom and legal issues. Now that the divorce is final, he continues to offer support via his website and through publishing articles that deal with divorce issues. I highly recommend Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan to anyone considering divorce, especially those hopeful for a fair and reasonable outcome.

Any way you look at it or define it – Divorce sucks! However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. That light starts with Mediation and there is no better mediator than Jeff Murphy. Jeff’s candor will help establish communication in a realistic, compassionate and calming approach fo...r both participants. By the time you sign the final papers you might just want to reconsider and get married. Jeff’s knowledge and understanding of the judicial system and court proceedings is a benefit. The most difficult questions are readily answered in a professional and timely manner that makes both partakers satisfied. Knowing that working with Jell will save you thousands of dollars is a definite advantage compared to the countless hours of meeting in a room with high-priced lawyers. Moreover, once you get to know Mr. Murphy, you will take a keen liking to him. Jeff’s humor is contagious and makes most gatherings somewhat pleasurable. In a most respectful way, I never sought out to meet Mr. Murphy and wish I never did. However, going through this process of divorce is much easier with a gentleman with his class, knowledge and integrity. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone that has to walk in the same footprints that I traveled.

I have worked with Jeff Murphy as he gives of his time as a volunteer mediator in the Southwest Michigan community. He is very experienced, skilled and has the ability to apply conflict resolution methods that work for everyone in any dispute! Mr. Murphy has the very rare talent of being able to list...en, be honest, and keep his focus on resolutions that will work for all people involved. I highly recommend to anyone in divorce and/or family disputes to let Jeff Murphy work his mediation magic for you! You will walk away with a better view on the future. Go Jeff Murphy!!!