Sherri L. Cothrun

The mediation process can help you resolve disputes without going to court. In a mediation proceeding, a neutral third party (a mediator) meets with the parties and their attorneys. Mediators are trained to find mediation solutions in legal disputes, including divorce mediation and child custody mediation. The mediator acts as a facilitator, helping you negotiate until a solution is found. Mediation is the most informal process for dispute resolution and is usually the least expensive

Family law includes laws of marriage, divorce, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal abuse, adoption, child support, child custody, re martial and martial agreements. If you need help with a family-related legal issue, a family law attorney can advise in family disputes as well as represent you in lawsuits.

When you want to settle a dispute without going to court and want a binding decision, you may benefit from the services of an arbitration lawyer. Acting in the role of an informal judge, the arbitration lawyer listens to both sides of your dispute. After hearing the arguments, the arbitrator makes a final binding decision. The arbitration process is very similar to court litigation but is more casual, flexible, and private–and less expensive and time-consuming.