Puyallup Divorce Mediator

Mediation is a structured, voluntary process in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, facilitates communication between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not impose decisions or take sides but instead guides the conversation, ensuring that each party has the opportunity to express their views and concerns. Mediation is often used to resolve conflicts in areas such as family disputes, workplace disagreements, business conflicts, and legal matters, offering a confidential and less adversarial alternative to litigation. Its goal is to foster collaboration, improve understanding, and create solutions that meet the needs and interests of all involved.

Mediation is especially important in divorce because it offers a less adversarial and more collaborative approach to resolving conflicts. Unlike traditional litigation, mediation encourages open communication and mutual problem-solving, helping divorcing couples work together to reach agreements on critical issues such as child custody, property division, and financial support. This process often reduces emotional stress and fosters a sense of control, as the parties actively participate in crafting their own solutions rather than leaving decisions to a judge. Mediation is typically faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings, making it a practical option for many couples. Additionally, it promotes better post-divorce relationships, which is particularly crucial when children are involved, ensuring that parents can co-parent effectively and with less conflict.

Our mediators have gone through the rigrous Basic Mediation and Divorce Mediation trainings to obtain their certificates. They have been coached by retired divorce attorneys and active law professors with decades of experience in family law. And like our name says - we are are genuinely "Neutral". Instead of finding who is "at fault", we understand that divorce is about families and helping them move forward with the next chapter of their lives. The critical decisions around assets, children, and money can impact all parties for rest of their lives. And we understand what is the right way to approach these issues.

We work with both couples going through a divorce and individuals considering divorce.

Couples: If you are interested in moving forward with your life, instead of playing the blame game, we, as neutral mediators, can help you with your collaborative divorce journey.

Individuals: If you are considering divorce or your partner has asked you for one, and you are feeling confused or overwhelmed by the horror stories you have heard, we can help you overcome these difficult times by providing guidance and a plan. We can also contact your partner on your behalf to initiate the collaborative divorce process.

We will help you and your partner come to an agreement related to your children, finances, and other issues. Below is our five-step process:

• 1: Introductory Meeting - During this step, we meet with you to understand your unique situation so that we can develop a plan to help you achieve an expedited divorce while reducing legal fees.
• 2: Plan Development - Our team of divorce experts will create a detailed plan to guide you through your divorce journey.
• 3: Information Gathering - We will work with you to gather information about your children and finances.
• 4: Discussions & Negotiations - Depending on the complexity of the information provided in step 3, we will schedule one or more sessions where you and your partner will sit together to discuss the best outcome for both of you.
• 5: Handoff - Upon the successful completion of the discussions, the case can be handed off to your respective attorneys, or you can take it to court yourself for filing.

Our support doesn't end here. If you receive alimony (spousal support), have children, or share assets/business, you may need to revisit some of the agreements made during the divorce proceedings. We will be here to help you.

Yes, we can. Please check with the court clerk or your attorney if you have any concerns about our eligibility.

Hiring an attorney is a personal decision that you should evaluate based on your situation. While most divorce cases begin with high conflict, they are usually settled out of court through mediation or negotiation. By starting your divorce journey with Neutral Mediation, you can address issues related to alimony, child support and parenting, assets, business, money, and property from the outset, expediting your divorce and significantly reducing attorney fees. In some cases, you may be able to file a divorce petition on your own, completely eliminating the need for an attorney.

We can work with you on an hourly basis to expedite discovery and mediation. Alternatively, you and your spouse can mediate through us, reaching agreements on children, finances, and other assets, which can then be shared with your respective attorneys to streamline the divorce process.

The actual cost of a divorce depends on factors such as the complexity of asset division, parenting arrangements, the level of collaboration between partners, and the type of lawyers involved. Over 90% of divorce cases are resolved through mediation or negotiation, and we can help facilitate that process. Most of our clients save money by significantly reducing attorney fees.

Yes, we can. While we cannot file paperwork on your behalf, we can assist with asset division and parenting arrangements. Additionally, we can direct you to resources that can help you navigate a DIY divorce.

If you or someone you know is being abused we encourage you to call one of the following:

• Emergency: 911
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (English, Spanish, & 200+ Languages support)
• Text National Domestic Violene: Text BEGIN to 88788
• Chat
• National Domestic Violence Help

We are trained divorce professionals with expertise in matters such as asset division, finances, and parenting. While some of our mediators may be lawyers, they cannot act as legal representatives for our clients.

We are trained divorce professionals with expertise in areas such as asset division, finances, and parenting. While some of our mediators may also be family therapists or marriage counselors, they cannot provide services in those capacities during mediation.

One party is allowed to pay for both if that is what you mutually decide. Please let us know how you would like to proceed, and we will accommodate accordingly.

Yes, information shared during mediation is confidential. The mediation process is designed to encourage open and honest communication without fear of it being used against either party outside of the mediation. We prioritize privacy and ensure that discussions remain protected, fostering a safe space for productive negotiations. However, confidentiality may be waived in cases where there is suspicion of child abuse or the abuse of a vulnerable adult, as those situations may require legal intervention to ensure safety and protection.

No. A mediator cannot testify in court. Mediation is a confidential process, and the role of the mediator is to facilitate communication and help the parties reach an agreement. Mediators are neutral third parties and do not take sides or provide testimony in legal proceedings. If mediation does not result in a resolution and the case goes to court, the mediator's role is limited to their involvement in the mediation process.