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MEDIATION LAWYER
IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Mediation is a process where two parties in disagreement seek assistance from a neutral third party to reach an agreement. In family mediation, typically, parties are not in agreement over the terms of their divorce, whether it’s dividing assets and debts or something related to their parenting plan. A mediator sits down with them and helps them reach an agreement without making decisions or acting as a judge.

WHY CHOOSE LEWIS LEGAL FOR YOUR COLUMBUS MEDIATION NEEDS:

  • Experienced Columbus attorney with knowledge of the court system
  • Extensive mediation experience in Columbus, even before becoming an attorney
  • Ability to offer creative solutions based on experience with many different families
  • Described as a peacemaker who cares about the families they work with
  • Aims for both sides to come out on good footing

5-STEP PROCESS FOR GETTING STARTED WITH A MEDIATION IN COLUMBUS, OHIO:

  1. Contact the office to make an appointment
  2. Initial 30-minute consultation with both parties (via Zoom or phone)
  3. Clients complete a financial information worksheet
  4. Individual 30-minute calls with each party to discuss goals and interests
  5. Schedule joint meeting(s) (online or in-person) to work towards an agreement

5-STEP PROCESS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEDIATION IN COLUMBUS, OHIO:

  1. Both parties come with an open mind to reaching an agreement
  2. Parties identify their ideal outcomes and minimum acceptable terms
  3. Parties rank their priorities and identify non-negotiable items
  4. Maintain an amicable process throughout the mediation
  5. Work towards an agreement where both parties feel they have control of the final result

MEDIATION OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT STAGES OF DIVORCE

PRE-FILING MEDIATION:

Couples can attempt mediation before filing for divorce, potentially leading to a dissolution (ending the marriage by agreement) and avoiding a lengthy court process.

COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION:

For couples already in the divorce process, the court may order mediation, or parties can choose to pause court proceedings to attempt mediation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISSOLUTION

Do I need an attorney to represent me at my mediation?

You may attend mediation with or without an attorney present to represent you. Many parties attend mediation without attorneys present, even if one or both of them have a lawyer.

Will you represent me at my mediation?

If I am serving as the mediator in the case, I cannot represent either party in that case because the mediator is neutral.

If you hire me to be your Attorney and you want to attend mediation to resolve your case, then you will hire another person to serve as the mediator, and I can represent you in that matter as your attorney.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes.  Everything that is discussed during mediation is confidential and both parties must sign a confidentiality agreement at the start of the mediation.  The mediator cannot be called into court to testify regarding what was discussed during mediation.

Can the mediation fees be divided between the parties?

Yes.  It is up to both parties how the mediation fees will be divided, if at all.  Many parties equally divide their mediation fees, or they may be paid from joint marital funds.  The allocation of mediation fees is often one of the issues discussed during the mediation, but the fees do need to be paid at the time of engaging my services for your mediation.

Can you run a child support or spousal support calculation during our mediation?

Yes.  One of the benefits of having an experienced divorce attorney serve as your mediator is that I can run child support and spousal support calculations for you.  The mediator is neutral so you can ensure that the calculations will not be skewed in either party’s favor.

I want to mediate my case, but I do not want to be in the same room as the other party. Is this possible?

Yes.  I structure each mediation based on the individual case and the parties’ preferences.  If you do not want to be in the same room as the other party, I am able to effectively mediate between separate rooms.  Typically, I start mediations with the parties together, then I will separate the parties from time to time depending on their requests and what I think is most likely to facilitate the negotiations.  I also mediate cases effectively by Zoom if you do not want to be in the same location.

Can you mediate by Zoom?

Yes. I can effectively mediate by Zoom.  I am even able to separate parties into individual break-out rooms so that we can “meet” individually during the mediation.

Can you mediate by phone?

I do not mediate over the phone because I have found that it is not effective.  Other mediators may have a different opinion or preference, but I do not offer phone mediations.  If you would like a virtual mediation, I am happy to mediate your case by Zoom.

If we reach an agreement in mediation, will you draft the court paperwork?

Ohio law does not allow mediators to draft court paperwork for cases that they have mediated.  If you reach an agreement during your mediation, I will draft a Memorandum of Agreement for both parties to sign acknowledging the specific terms of the agreement.  The Memorandum of Agreement will help your attorney draft and file the necessary legal documents with the court.  If you need a referral to an attorney to draft your legal documents, I am happy to provide referrals.

Can I bring a family member or friend to the mediation for support?

This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.  Mediation is a private process, so both parties must be comfortable and consent to another person being present.  If both parties agree that another person will attend the mediation with them, this person must also sign the confidentiality agreement to keep the information disclosed during the mediation private.

Contact Us To Request A Consultation

If you’re ready to explore your options for dissolution, need an experienced attorney to draft or review a dissolution agreement, or have questions about the process, contact Lewis Legal today to request a consultation with a dissolution lawyer in Columbus.

The material on this webpage has been prepared by Lewis Legal Solutions for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific matter.  No attorney-client relationship is implied or created by the information found on this website.  Lewis Legal Solutions practices law within the state of Ohio.  Individuals should seek the advice of legal counsel licensed in their state.