Family-focused mediation that aims to keep you out of court
Resolve your issues with a Certified Family Law Specialist guiding both sides. Mediation gives you control over the outcome, without the heavy cost, expansive litigation timeframes or the emotional toll of litigation.
What does the mediation process look like?
A clear, structured path from first session to signed agreement, guided by a Certified Family Law Specialist.
Initial Consultation
First, I will ask that each party will provide a written overview of the issues and their respective positions. When we meet, I will discuss what experience shows the Court will most likely do. If you both decide to move forward with the mediation process, it is important to know that upon embarking on this journey, should we not succeed, I will be barred from representing either party. This ethical barrier intends to allow you each to be candid and open with me, so that I may best assist in shaping solutions that are reasonable and fair.
Structured Sessions
We will decide together how many sessions you feel are necessary, and from that, we develop our agreement. At each session, we tackle as many issues as we can resolve in each hour we are together, with agendas developed in advance, and within 48-hours, you each receive a written summary of what we covered, what we agreed on, and where we still have room for cooperation.
Settlement Agreement
When we reach agreement on all issues, called a "global settlement," I will draft it and provide a copy to each party for review and approval. Once approved, we will all sign, and I will submit to the Court for signature. Simultaneously, if any court appearances were pending for the issues we've come to agreement on, I will ensure those hearings are taken off the court calendar, saving us all time and most likely, saving you both money.
A mediation agreement that costs less than litigation
Mediation offers a private, confidential process that places the outcome directly in your hands rather than the court’s. Instead of leaving critical decisions about your children, property, and future to a judge, you and the other party work together—guided by a Certified Family Law Specialist—to reach agreements that reflect your family’s actual needs. For most, this results in greater control, faster resolution, and significantly reduced costs compared to litigation.
Common mediation myths, cleared up
See how mediation worked for them
We were stuck on every issue. Mediation gave us a way to talk without the pressure of a courtroom, and we settled everything in a few sessions.
Daniel R.
Mediation client, dissolution
The process kept us focused on our kids instead of fighting. We worked out a custody schedule we both felt good about, without a judge deciding for us.
Michelle T.
Mediation client, custody
We came in ready for a battle. We left with an agreement we both understood and signed. Everyone walked away with their dignity intact.
Robert H.
Mediation client, support
Cooperation settles more cases than combat. Let's start yours.
Book a mediation session with James J. Salmons and resolve your family law matter on terms you control. The first step is just a conversation.