Mediation is a structured, efficient and confidential conversation in which parties with a dispute work with a neutral third party, the mediator, to resolve their conflict. Specialized communication and facilitation strategies are used to cultivate a potential agreement between the parties that meets the needs and wants of both people. Agreements are only reached when all the parties agree, and your participation is voluntary.

Mediation allows parties to determine outcomes in their case and create solutions that may become enforceable legal documents.  Mediation puts you in the driver’s seat; it allows you to influence and determine potential outcomes in your life and situation.

Mediation resolves disputes for a fraction of the cost of litigation. Mediation minimizes your time and expenses. Attorney and litigation fees can cost several thousand dollars; for example, a litigated divorce in Arizona can easily reach $15,000 to $20,000 per person. Mediation allows you to use your financial resources for your business, organization, or family, to provide for your children and/or yourselves following a difficult time.

Mediation is a kinder, gentler way to resolve conflict. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that can resolve conflict without the need for litigation. Mediation can be healing. There is much hurt that has brought you to this place; mediation can help you begin to heal and move forward from this difficult experience.

Mediation allows you to ‘practice’ co-parenting or other styles of communication and problem solving in a neutral and safe space. Communicating with people who have hurt you-in any situation or environment- can be very difficult following that experience. Mediation allows you to practice appropriate communication skills with a skilled and caring third party so that you can move on in your personal and/or professional life.

YOU are. You and the other parent or party will participate in the mediation process in a confidential setting. Everything you say remains confidential so that you may speak freely and move forward through the conflict. You may want your attorney to attend as well. Whether attorneys attend or not, you and the other person, with the mediator, will lead the experience. Even if one of you has an attorney and the other does not, the balance of power remains the same: the parties are on equal footing as we work together.

Mediation takes place in an office conveniently located near downtown Flagstaff, near the Courthouse. Mediation may also take place via zoom or telephone to accommodate those who live out of the area, and due to Covid-19 or other health concerns.

Mediation sessions are scheduled at times that work for both parties, sometime between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. Though the time frame will be discussed during a complimentary brief consultation, it is common for mediation to take between two and four hours at a time. Frequently, one session is enough to resolve the matter. Parties can decide if they wish to return for future sessions if they believe that will be useful.