What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process to attempt to settle the issues involved in litigation. Mediation is a form of Alternate Dispute Resolution (“ADR”), which means a process to settle disputes outside of Court and without having a trial. Our firm provides mediation services including divorce and other family law disputes. Mediation is different than Arbitration (see later discussion at the bottom of this page). During the mediation process, the mediator will assist both parties in resolving their disputes and drafting documents which formalize the agreements reached.
During mediation the parties meet with a nuetral professional (i.e., the mediator) in order to negotiate agreements and to hopefully avoid further court proceedings. You can meet with a mediator at any time before the case is final (i.e., before the case is filed, or at any time during the case). Mediation can take place for all family law issues – i.e. divorce, parenting issues, modifications, enforcement issues, etc.). Mediators are generally attorneys that specialize in the area of law or former judges who have experience in the area of the law.
Depending upon their mediation approach, It is important to realize that many mediators will attempt to settle your case but will not tell you whether the settlement is fair or advise you on what you should do to obtain a fair settlement. Rather their main focus is for the most part limited to exploring what each of the parties is willing to do to compromise. Other mediators are willing to provide more analysis regarding the settlement and take steps to ensure both parties have adequate information to reach a fair settlement.
Gregory A. Riebesehl of Sierra Vista, Arizona’s Riebesehl Family Law Offices has a separate mediation practice called Cochise Family Law Mediation. You can schedule your mediation by calling the same number as our law firm – 520-559-2925. Just make sure to let our office know that you are interested in mediation services up front. Both parties must agree to mediation and who is going to act as your mediator. You cannot retain our firm to be your attorney and your mediator as this would create a conflict of interest (i.e., mediators cannot serve as both your attorney and the mediator). If you have not hired our firm and would like to explore having Mr. Riebesehl serve as the mediator in your case, please contact our office and let our office manager Kelli or our receptionist Katherine know that you are interested in mediation – 520-559-2925.
At Cochise Family Law Mediation, we understand that navigating the legal system can be a daunting and emotional experience. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the compassionate and skilled representation through mediation that you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Riebesehl has a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients and their families. Whether you’re facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or any other family law matter, he’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible resolution for you and your loved ones through the mediation process. Mr. Riebesehl, a highly skilled mediator, helps the parties involved in a dispute have an in-depth conversation and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediators don’t make decisions, and they aren’t bound by ethical restrictions. Mediation can be useful when the parties want to preserve a relationship, such as with family, neighbors, or business partners. Mediation can also come in handy when the parties involved want to direct their own outcome not leaving it up to the person in the black robe, the judge, to determine the outcome of their matter especially when there are children involved. Sometimes, mediation can end in an impasse, and the parties will be free to pursue other options if they don’t reach a settlement. Mr. Riebesehl can help both parties to find other alternatives to mediation when this happens.