I have been a certified mediator for over 25 years. My skills as a mediator are different from my skills as an attorney. Nonetheless, I use my skills and knowledge as an attorney in any mediation case. My mediation clients get a double value, a two-for-one deal.

A mediator facilitates and listens. I try to encourage attentive listening, being present and encourage and prompt my clients to do likewise when addressing each other in the session. Mediation can help in any type of dispute. It is not only reserved for divorce. It is especially useful for disputes or issues that may arise with your ex after a divorce, breakdown of relationship, or separation.

Life happens, things change, and sometimes an agreement has to be modified to address what is happening in real time. It could be a move, a new spouse, another child, loss of a job, a disability or illness that causes the need to make a change or handle things differently. Before hiring an attorney, seek to mediate your situation before resorting to court and litigation.

Mediation can be successful in elder law and estate matters as well. Anytime families are involved and there is a close relationship between people mediation may be appropriate.

By way of example, perhaps there is a problem or question concerning an aging parent. Are you at odds with a family member or on how best to care for a mother, father, sibling, spouse, or child? Are finances an issue? Is there a question about whether a parent should downsize? If a parent or family member is ill, who will pay bills, make decisions, especially regarding medical care? Who will handle the money matters? Are there concerns or is there a consensus in the family on end of life decisions? Have you all agreed on a funeral arrangement? Mediation can help sort through these questions and resolve these issues.

Has someone recently passed in your family? Are you disagreeing with a sibling or a parent about how to distribute their estate? Is someone named as an executor, executrix or administrator that you are at odds with?

Every one of these scenarios can be brought to mediation. Every problem has a solution, and a good mediator will listen, direct and ask questions to get you there. There is also time for brainstorming in a session to help you resolve an issue. Using these tools, you may be able to resolve difficulties to everyone’s satisfaction.

Call for a mediation consultation. At the DePalo Law Firm. We pride ourselves on not being part of the problem but being a part of the the solution.