Alternative Dispute Resolution refers to methods used to settle matters outside of a courtroom. Attorney Melanie E. Mize is trained to help facilitate communication and negotiation between parties. She works with parties to reach voluntary agreements prior to a lawsuit being filed to avoid the time and expense of trial. She also works with parties after a lawsuit has been filed to efficiently reach settlement.
Attorney Melanie E. Mize offers a variety of ADR services to parties in conflict. These include meditation, collaborative practice, Divorcing with Dignity, and parenting coordination.
MEDIATION
Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party assists parties in reaching a mutually agreed upon settlement of their issues.
We offer mediation services for a variety of cases, including:
- Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage
- Custody and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Division of Debts and Assets
- Juvenile Court Custody and Child Support
- Business Contracts
- Business Disputes
- Real Estate Disputes
- Employer-Employee Issues
- Homeowner’s Association / Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes
- General Civil Law Matters
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE
Collaborative Practice is a process in which parties commit to settling their disputes outside of the courtroom in a mediation and negotiation setting. It allows parties, especially in a divorce setting, to maintain ultimate decision-making control and reach agreements individualized to meet their specific needs. Each party in this process will have their own collaborative attorney. Parties may also choose to have a mental health professional (“coach”) and/or financial specialist involved in the process as well.
DIVORCING WITH DIGNITY
Divorcing with Dignity is a service offered by this firm to parties who wish to end their marriage in a civil and respectful manner outside of the courtroom. It is a hybrid mediation-collaborative process. Each session includes a licensed Attorney-Mediator and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who are there to facilitate communication and negotiation in a non-combative environment. The process is designed to allow parties to reduce the emotional and financial impact of divorce, and to maintain overall well-being throughout the divorce process.
PARENTING COORDINATION
Parenting Coordination is a method of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party (the “parenting coordinator” or “PC”) assists high conflict parents in implementing their parenting plan and resolving conflicts in a manner which helps protect and sustain the parent-child relationship. This is a child-focused ADR process designed to help protect children from the impact of conflict between parents. During the parenting coordination process, the PC will work with the parents to facilitate resolution of disputes outside of the courtroom and in a timely manner. The PC will also help educate parents about their children’s needs. If the parents are unable to reach a mutual resolution, the PC is embodied with the power to make a decision on the matter.