Mediation as an Alternative to Divorce Litigation
If you are considering divorce or are already a party to a marital dispute, but you want to resolve your differences without the emotional and financial costs of litigation, or if you simply want to avoid the bitterness and hostility that can often accompany divorce, you may want to consider mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution. In mediation, you and your spouse work together with a neutral third party to find solutions that are in everyone's best interests. You can use mediation to resolve issues and stay married or as a way to amicably end your marriage.
When you opt for mediation, you want an experienced mediator, one who has successfully helped others through difficult divorce matters. At the Law Offices of Betty Ann Spencer, in Santa Rosa, California, I provide services in divorce mediation, working as a neutral party to help you and your ex-spouse resolve your differences. Experienced and approachable, I offer a place where you and your children come first, and where you are free to experience the emotions involved in a family law matter while working toward a mutually beneficial solution. For a free 30 minute initial consultation, contact me or call my office at (707) 570-2424.
Divorce with Integrity
In the mediation process, you and your spouse work with a neutral third party, a person who represents neither side, but whose goal is to help you come to mutually agreeable solutions. The mediator does not take testimony or rule on the admissibility or validity of evidence, and does not issue any kind of ruling or determination. All decisions are made jointly by you and your spouse. The mediator's role is to facilitate agreement, to help you identify ways to resolve your differences, and to help you understand the consequences of failing to find common ground.
At the Law Offices of Betty Ann Spencer, I am a trained divorce mediator, trained by Joan Kelly, Ph. D, who developed high conflict mediation in Marin County in the 1980s, and by Gary Friedman, a lawyer and mediator internationally known in family law mediation. I provide family law mediation services to help you "retool" your marriage, helping you develop concrete solutions to issues that are negatively affecting your relationship. I also offer mediation to settle disputes involving child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony or property issues.
When you hire me as your mediator, I will not provide legal advice to you, but will work with you to find solutions that are in your best interests and the best interests of your family. If you come to an agreement, I will help you put together a written contract stating the terms, which will be enforceable in court.
Divorce is often associated with depression, anger, bitterness and grief. While divorce is an ending, it is also a new beginning. I find it personally and professionally rewarding to work with people who are willing to put energy into making their lives better, who are focused on feeling more comfortable with themselves and transforming negative thoughts into positive energy, people who care about other people as well as themselves.
To schedule a free 30 minute initial consultation, contact my office or call me at (707) 570-2424. I am available to meet with clients between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. I accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
A Collaborative PlaceTM, where you and your children come first.
