Mediation is almost always voluntary.  Judges sometimes order parties and their attorneys to participate in mediation once an action is pending before the court, but many of the expenses of litigation can be avoided by participating in mediation before any type of legal action is filed.   

A mediator doesn’t decide what the parties should do, but instead, serves as a neutral, confidential intermediary who helps them identify ways to move forward creatively.    A mediator works to provide a safe environment for individuals to tell their stories fully and to focus on attacking a negative situation —not each other.

I work in the following fields:

• Disputes involving wills, trusts and estates
• Protective proceedings (guardianships and conservatorships)
• Disputes involving businesses and their customers/clients
• Contract disputes
• Landlord/tenant disputes