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Mediate with Eric
Mediation is often a required step in family law cases. Even when not required, mediation can be a cheaper and more amicable solution than going to trial.
Working with an expert mediator provides an affordable and efficient way of finding common ground with your ex-partner. Eric can help find solutions for a variety of issues including parenting responsibilities, child support, and division of property.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process in which divorcing or separating couples meet with an impartial, neutral person who facilitates communications and problem-solving until an agreement is reached. It is a voluntary process that allows parties to craft their own settlement, rather than to advocate against each other and have decisions imposed upon them by a judge or magistrate who probably does not have the time to learn the fine details of the issues at hand. Mediation is less formal than litigation, is more confidential than court proceedings, and is generally more satisfying to the parties because they have created their own solutions.
Often, parties have been arguing for so long that it has become difficult, if not impossible, for them to see a solution. They have become so attached to the black and white perspective of win/lose that they overlook all the shades of gray in between.
Mediation is designed to examine those shades of gray for possible solutions. During mediation, the parties, not the mediator, are the decision-makers. What the mediator does is to help the parties to set an agenda for the mediation, and to identify and explore the many issues which can cause divorce, separation, and child-related cases to be so difficult and emotional.
Rates start at $75/hour per party through the Office of Dispute Resolution with a court mediation order. Private mediation starts at $250/hour with a $500 deposit.
For more information, see frequently asked questions
Eric's approach to mediation
Eric is a Colorado mediator and family law attorney with over 27 years of experience assisting clients resolve their divorce and child custody through mediation. Eric's expensive experience from handling hundreds of cases, allows him to offer unique insight and creative solutions to our mediation clients. He has seen what works, and what doesn't work, for families over time.
There is no one solution in divorce that works for everyone. Every family is unique, and an experienced attorney mediator can be invaluable in helping you find solutions for your family’s circumstances and needs. What worked for your brother, friend, or co-worker could be completely wrong or unworkable in your divorce. Eric's creativity and experience allows him to guide each family towards solutions best for them.
What happens during mediation?
All mediation sessions through Wollard Law Family Solutions are conducted virtually. Prior to the start of mediation a Zoom link will be sent to all parties.
A typical mediation session will go as follows:
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Once all parties have joined the video call, Eric will introduce himself and explain the mediation process. The parties and Eric will decide whether they wish to mediate all in one Zoom 'room' or if they want to separate into their own private 'rooms'.
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Next, each party presents their perspective on the issues in dispute, and the Eric will facilitate a discussion to clarify each party's needs and concerns.
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Eric will then help the parties brainstorm and evaluate various solutions, encouraging them to find common ground and compromise.
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Once mediation is completed Eric will prepare the proper documents to submit to the court and send them to parties for signature. If an agreement is reached, these documents will include a Memorandum of Understanding.
Unsure if mediation with Eric is right for your case?
We offer 20 minute discovery calls which gives you a chance to meet Eric and learn more about the process. During this time Eric will be able to answer any questions you have about mediation. You will NOT receive any legal advice during this call. If you want advice on your case, consider our firm's unbundled legal services.