Mediation

In Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, you have the right, and sometimes a court-ordered duty, to
mediate. This includes private mediation with a trained mediator of your choosing. Why would
you select your own mediator? Because, oftentimes, discussions are easier, the process is more
comfortable, and you are more satisfied with the result mediating with someone you trust.
That’s where we come in. We provide all forms needed for you to stipulate to private
mediation, as well as all paperwork to document your settlement and submit it to your Court.
Cost are flexible, as are mediation times and locations. Often, our families elect virtual
mediation in the evening or on a weekend day to avoid the time and expense of taking off
work. We work around your schedule!
 
What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a settlement process. It can help you resolve issues in your court case. Mediation
is a way to work the case out with the other party instead of having a judge make the decision.
In this way, it is an alternative to trial – and, if you do not settle, you can still proceed with trial.
 
How Mediation Works

Mediation can resolve the issues that you and the other party don’t agree on. For example, in a
divorce case, mediation can help decide child custody and parenting time. In a landlord/tenant
case, mediation can help parties compromise on unpaid rent or damages. In a land contract
case, mediation can help work out a plan for missed payments. Before going to mediation, you
should think about the problems that you want to cover.

Both parties meet with a neutral mediator. The mediator will help you find solutions to your
legal issues and work toward settlement, if possible. The goal of mediation is to reach a fair
agreement that both parties accept. You will each have a chance to tell the mediator what you
want to happen in the case. The mediator is not a judge and won’t decide who is right or
wrong. The mediator cannot represent either of you as a lawyer, and you should always
consider consulting with a lawyer before making a final decision, but the mediator can help you
reach an agreement in a way that is most cost effective and unique to your situation.
 
Why Mediate?

Mediation may have these benefits over a regular court process:
It can resolve your dispute faster, especially in cases where you agree about most things;
It may cost you less, for example, in court fees or time off work for court dates;
It may be more confidential than a trial. The final judgment is a public record, but your
settlement talks stay private;
You will have more control over the outcome of your dispute;
It can avoid the sometimes combative court process. This may be better for your relationship
with the other party. This can be especially important if you have children together;
If you all have agreed to the solution, you are all more likely to stick to it.

 

Contact Us Today

 

For a free consultation concerning your family matters, contact Pinnacle Family Services at
248-305-6484 . You can also contact us through email. Check our locations here. Nighttime and weekend appointments available.

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