As March is a month of opposites and contradictions, I thought it would be the perfect month to launch the DePalo Law Firm’s grand opening of THE MEDIATION CENTER – a place to come to mediate any legal matter, including but not limited to divorce, business partnerships, domestic partnerships, prenups, post-nups, relationships, elder planning, estate and inheritance issues, etc. Why mediate? Save time, money, energy and your dignity.

I’m a litigator, and have been for over 37 years, I certainly know my way around a courtroom and have tried many cases; however, I have also been a certified mediator for over 30 years.

I can litigate and advocate as well as mediate and continue to do so. As a litigator I advocate for my clients in court and while representing them in their case I counsel a client and put forth their “positions.”

The paradox is that I can also be a very effective mediator. As a mediator, I facilitate – I ask questions, discuss, listen and allow the two people in front of me to come to a solution and resolution. Together we can come up with creative solutions and tailor an agreement to fit your particular circumstances. The process can be a one stop shop.

Of course, mediation is not for cases of domestic violence or if there are hidden financial assets or debt, where one spouse is at a distinct disadvantage or is intimidated by fear, control or lack of knowledge.

Both processes of contested/litigation and mediation are very different and not many attorneys can do the paradigm shift from litigator to mediatior. The Mediation Center will be that place.

The Mediation Center will also offer Parent Coordination – which is an alternative dispute resolution process to help parties co-parent or make a decision together if they are at

odds, as to what is best for their children or child. I have successfully worked with parents regarding relocation requests, as well as decisions regarding school choice, medical procedures, and extracurricular activities.

The mediation center will also offer legal guidance and consultation for someone who does not want to hire an attorney, but needs support, guidance and help either when in mediation with another mediator or a pending court case.

I strongly urge you to consider mediation on parent coordination if a situation arises when are you are odds with your spouse or ex-spouse or significant other.

With all my years of experience, expertise, as well as my own personal experience, I have found parties being in the same room and for each one of them to be able to express what fears, concerns, and needs they have and getting to the issues without delay, not being held back by the court process or lack of cooperation or communication between attorneys can lead to a quicker resolution and one that will work for them and their children. I call it getting to the heart of the matter.

As a mediator, and in my mediations, I successfully review financials, order appraisals (house, business, or pension) if necessary, obtain required and needed information, and do everything that is done in a litigated court case, but in a streamlined and efficient manner. Mediation is a place where information is gathered, shared with each party; then explained and discussed together openly. Everyone hears and receives the same information. Mediation can be done on your time schedule and is a work in progress.

If mediation may be an option for you, I strongly urge you to consider it. The Mediation Center will offer a safe, understanding, and comfortable environment to open up and discuss difficulties and strives to create an atmosphere for you to be able to find solutions to difficult problems in an easier and better way.