Mediation is a process that is usually more efficient, less expensive, less time consuming, and more flexible than divorce litigation. Here’s what can expect in your experience with Holcomb Mediation Center:
- Initial communication. You may get in touch with our firm by phone, email, or through our website contact form. For our first conversation, we’ll set up a 30-minute mediation orientation with both parties if possible. Though we can work with just one party as well. During this time, we’ll discuss the process and the requirements of mediation.
- Contacting your spouse. Since mediation is a neutral and voluntary process, our firm will need to speak with both parties about the possibilities of working with us. Again, mediation is a voluntary process so we must ensure that both parties are on board.
- Mediation sessions. These are meetings where we discuss your issues together. Many Family Law cases take only two or three mediation sessions, and some require just one session. Each session lasts no more than two hours. In between meetings, there might be homework or just time to reflect on options presented in the sessions.
- Drafting the agreement. After you and your spouse have arrived at an agreement, our firm will help you write it down in a legal document. We’ll give you ample time to review and/or revise this document before you sign it.
- Final meeting. Your mediation is now concluded, usually successfully. At this meeting, we’ll be endorsing together any documents needed to finalize your matter with the courts. While court documents are not always required, most clients prefer to have their results at least ready for filing with a court.
These are the general steps. We can adjust this procedure based on the needs of the parties and the requirements of the particular court process.
Throughout this process, Holcomb Mediation Center upholds the highest standards for Mediators and for Counsel.
What you can rely on here:
- Fully neutral third-party Mediation. Any advice or suggestions are provided to both parties, or all parties if there are more than two, with full explanation of advantages or disadvantages to each party.
- Our Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediators and our Attorney-Mediators are well-versed and experienced in Virginia Family Law.
- Court-level documentation. Our staff that drafts your Agreements or Consent Orders when your mediation is done are all legal professionals, either Attorneys or Paralegals. Your final product will be recognized by any local Court.
- Final resolution. In most cases, any mediated Agreement can be submitted to a Court to be “finalized” and thus legally enforceable, as either a Contract or an Order.
- Our Attorneys and Mediators are ethically and morally bound to keep the personal and sensitive aspects of your case completely confidential forever.
In our experience, Mediation is almost always the right process for all Family Law Matters.
