Mediation Committed to Securing the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case

Mediation Lawyer in Kennewick

Assisting Clients throughout the Mediation Process in Benton and Franklin County

Are you and your partner considering ending your long term relationship? Rather than go the traditional divorce route if you’re married (or if you’re in a non-traditional partnership), you may want to consider mediation instead. Mediation is a process that allows you to settle your issues by collaborating with your partner and a neutral third party to come up with solutions that work best for everyone involved.

Mediation can help resolve issues such as:

Providing Alternative Solutions to Divorce

At Tri-Cities Family Law, our Kennewick mediation attorney can help you settle your divorce and other related matters without ever stepping into a courtroom. Mediation is also a great option for domestic partners, people in committed intimate relationships the state of Washington deems “marriage like,” and those who are unmarried but share assets and/or children.

Wondering if mediation is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our mediation lawyer by calling (509) 320-4899 or filling out our online contact form today.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where the divorcing parties meet with a neutral third party in an attempt to resolve their dispute on their own terms, rather than have the decision be passed down by a judge or jury. Mediation generally offers the parties the opportunity to resolve their dispute through a mutual agreement that best suits the parties’ circumstances that costs substantially less than litigation.

Benefits of mediation include:

  • Unlike with divorce proceedings, what happens during mediation doesn’t go on the public record, making the process more private and confidential.
  • Mediation is typically far quicker and cheaper than divorce.
  • It is also generally less argumentative than divorce.
  • Mediation doesn’t involve any trials or hearings.
  • You can still work with a lawyer to get legal advice and help.
  • Most mediation sessions end by successfully settling all issues.
  • If the mediation process proves unsuccessful, you are your partner are free to try the more traditional approach to divorce.

What Happens if Couples Cannot Resolve Their Issues Through Mediation?

Mediation is encouraged and generally required by the courts. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own to resolve their disputes, the court can order certain services geared toward assisting the parties in settling their matter or providing the court with more information.

Guardian Ad Litems

If the parties cannot reach an agreement on how to share their children a guardian ad litem (or GAL) will be appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the parties’ child or children. A guardian ad litem is a neutral party who has undergone special training to qualify them for their assignments by the court. Guardian ad litems investigate allegations, meet with the parties and children, and ultimately make recommendations to the court as to what parenting plan is in the best interests of the children.

Settle Your Dispute on Your Terms by Contacting Our Mediation Attorney

The end of a marriage can be a complicated and harrowing affair. Mediation can make the process far smoother and substantially less painful. However, mediation isn’t for everyone. If both you and your partner are willing to undergo a divorce and are on a roughly level playing field, we highly recommend considering mediation as an option throughout the divorce process.

Couples whose relationships have been defined by abuse or other imbalances of power may want to consider traditional divorce instead. Mediation will probably also fail if one of the parties in the relationship does not consent to the separation, is dishonest about their financial situation, or poses other such issues that jeopardize the separation.

To learn more about alternative solutions to divorce, write to us online or call (509) 320-4899 to speak with our mediation lawyer in Kennewick now.

  • "Thoughtful, Kind, and Understanding"
    They are absolutely wonderful and their team is thoughtful, kind, and understanding. Kari is amazing and took me on at the 11th hour, did her full due diligence, and stood up for me knowing all the facts of the case.
    - Talia W.
  • "Completely On Top of Their Game"
    They care very much and make it all easier to deal with amidst family heartache. Nothing is dragged out, they are completely on top of their game, they return phone calls in a timely manner, and they are so compassionate and understanding.
    - Lori G.
  • "An Exemplary Team"
    Kari fought for me during the entirety of the 2-year long process. She is passionate about her job and won't sugar-coat things; always being realistic and truthful. Her staff is also exemplary in their duties.
    - Jennie G.
  • "Kari Was A Blessing"
    She fought hard and got me joint custody... if you're reading this, thank you so much. My daughter is so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
    - Former Client
  • "Supportive During This Stressful Time"
    She listened to my concerns. Kari filed motions promptly and kept the process moving ahead. Her legal assistant was also knowledgable and supportive during this stressful time.
    - Former Client
    We're Here to Guide You

    Our team is prepared to go the extra mile for you. Contact the family law attorneys at Tri-Cities Family Law now to learn more during a confidential consultation.

    (509) 320-4899