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Frequently Asked Questions
Mediation
Can we mediate if we don’t get along?
Parties do not have to get along or even be particularly friendly to successfully mediate their issues. The mediator can help diffuse the emotions and anger that are so often associated with relationship, financial, and child-related issues. And because mediation is a voluntary process, it can be discontinued at any time the participants or the mediator feel that the process is unproductive.
Will the mediator advise me about my legal rights?
It is important to understand that mediation is not the practice of law. Mediators come from many different backgrounds. Some mediators, like Eric Wollard, are attorneys who have special training in mediation. While an attorney mediator might provide general legal information, he is acting as a neutral in the mediation process and not as an attorney or legal advisor. The attorney mediator does not: ā¢ represent the mediation participants in their legal action, ā¢ offer legal advice or provide legal counsel to the parties regarding their legal rights and obligations, or ā¢ predict how the court might rule on a specific issue. Mediation does not eliminate the need for lawyers; it simply changes their role from being an adversary against the other party to being an advisor for each party. Parties are encouraged to at least have the final agreement reviewed by a lawyer and/or financial advisor (for financial agreements) before signing it.
What are the advantages of mediation?
Mediation often provides a quicker, less expensive, and more satisfying resolution of the financial and child-related issues associated with divorce and separation. Resolving these issues through mediation from the beginning provides the parties with an ongoing foundation for addressing and resolving child-related issues as they arise in the future. When parents resolve issues together and maintain long-term cordial communications, children are often better able to cope with divorce and separation. Because no one knows the issues in an individual case better than the participants, the parties, themselves, are in the best position to find solutions that best address their interests and needs. Having worked together to craft an agreement that is mutually satisfying, the parties are more likely to comply with the terms of the agreement and less likely to maintain hostile feelings toward each other and the agreement in the future.
Unbundled Services
What if I decide I want full representation in my case?
While Wollard Law Family Solutions does not represent our clients, Eric will be happy to work with you and provide referrals to help you find an attorney that meets your needs.
Will you talk to other people in my case for me?
No, we will not talk to anyone for you. But we are happy to help you draft emails, letters, and other communications.