Settle Your Divorce out of Court with Mediation

Lillian is a Trained Mediator with Over 10 Years’ Experience

Advantages of Mediation:

Shorter duration | Lower cost | Non-confrontational atmosphere | Encourages exchange of ideas

Gresham Divorce Mediation
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GRESHAM DIVORCE MEDIATION

At Gresham Mediation, Lillian Suelzle Watson is a trained mediator/attorney who will work with both of you to help you make decisions, prepare documents and have the final documents signed and filed with the appropriate court. As a mediator/attorney Lillian must remain neutral party and does not represent either of you, but can answer your legal questions. Usually this will take two or three meetings to discuss your issues and desires.

If you would like to discuss your specific situation and needs further, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Lillian S. Watson today. 

What is Mediation?

At its core, mediation is a process that allows divorcing couples the opportunity to work through disputes with a neutral third party before it becomes necessary to go before a judge.  If you elect to meet with Mrs. Watson as a mediator, she must remain neutral and cannot represent either party separately. If mediation will help you and your spouse reach a complete agreement, it may be appropriate to only have an attorney-mediator meet with you both and finalize your documents.

​​By resolving potential disputes through mediation, individuals typically note several positives about the experience, including:

  • Shorter duration than traditional trial litigation
  • Lower cost than litigation
  • Non-confrontational atmosphere
  • Neutral, objective mediator encourages the exchange of ideas

Additionally, many individuals feel better about the compromises that were reached because they had a stake in the terms. Be sure to work with an experienced Oregon lawyer trained in mediation to discuss your unique situation in greater detail.

​CONTACT THE FIRM

If you have concerns regarding family mediation or collaborative divorce, we encourage you to contact Gresham Mediation. Our attorneys can meet outside of our standard 9 to 5 office hours based on the individual needs of our clients.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

​Call Now 503.680.0807‬

​​MEDIATION FAQ

Are there other ways to settle our divorce without going to court?

​Yes, there are several options you can follow: You can learn more about various methods to resolve you divorce without court by using some of the terms discussed below… Read more

I have heard the term Alternate Dispute Resolution. Is mediation a type of this method of settling our divorce?

Mediation or collaborative law are both examples of alternate dispute resolutions. It is important that you choose the correct method to fit your circumstances. These are but options to assist you in coming to your own decisions… Read more

Can Mrs. Watson explain various options available to use?

​Yes, in her initial consultation she will discuss processes available to you. Your choices include coaching, mediation, mediation or full lawyer representation… Read more

What is the purpose of mediation in finalizing a divorce?

​Mediation is a process where both spouses discuss their differences to resolve their divorce with the help of a neutral professional… Read more

​How is mediation used in a divorce?

When a husband and wife have decided to divorce, they may agree on several aspects of their divorce; but often there are one, two or more areas where they cannot agree. With the use of a mediator, they can discuss their different positions and often reach an agreement, avoiding litigation… Read more

What is the benefit of using an attorney experienced in family law as a mediator?

Many family lawyers are trained in mediation which provides the skills needed to be a neutral. Because they are a neutral, they cannot take sides or provide legal advice, but that does not mean they cannot explain legal principles or guidelines… Read more

How long does the process take?

​ It can be completed in a few meetings. Expect at the very least three in addition to the initial conference… Read more

What if we cannot reach an agreement?

Once Mrs. Watson is your mediator, she ethically cannot represent either of you in either the collaborative or traditional method, all mediation discussions are confidential. You are not prevented from switching to a collaborative method or traditional litigation if all efforts to settle fail… Read more

What can I expect at the initial conference?

When you initially meet with the mediator/attorney she will want to learn about you both and whether this is a suitable process for your resolution… Read more

How much will it cost to complete our divorce through mediation?

Mrs. Watson will review costs in more detail at your initial meeting, but she charges $125 for the initial meeting (about 30-45 minutes). At the initial meeting, she will review your issues, help you determine if mediation is appropriate in your circumstances and estimate how many meetings she anticipates the process to take… Read more

What if we need an additional meeting or two to reach an agreement?

​Mrs. Watson would then charge for additional time at $200.00 per hour as needed so there is no reason not to finish… Read more

Who can we have prepare our final court documents?

You can have your individual attorney(s) prepare documents based on your mediated agreement; you can file self-help form; or, you can have Mrs. Watson prepare co-petition documents to be filed with the court… Read more

What if each of us have already hired our individual attorneys?

 Mrs. Watson has worked with many of the family attorneys in our metropolitan area. Check with your attorney and see who they recommend as a mediator… Read more

​What if we have children?

If you have children under 18, or if your children are between 18 and 21, the divorce judgment must address their needs… Read more

Who decides the amount of child support that will be ordered?

​The amount of child support is decided on various statutory factors and a judge is reluctant to sign off on any agreements that do not comply with the statutory formula. However, there are various factors that are considered… Read more

What is the collaborative method?

​ Instead of having one neutral professional, you have two trained attorneys who help you settle your divorce amicably… Read more

Does a collaborative divorce cost more than mediation?

​It is likely it will cost more as you are using two attorneys to make decisions. However, if either of you need your own attorney to provide you individual legal advice, collaborative law may be the option for you… Read more

Contact Us Today

If you believe that mediation could be for you, please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions, and to schedule your consultation.

Call:  503.680.0807‬

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