High Vibe Mediation, LLC’s Post

Many people are not aware that you can mediate just a portion of your divorce or custody case. In fact, you can start in mediation, jump into litigation, then resume mediation. In some cases, people will start in litigation, then move a portion of their case (such as child custody and parenting time) into mediation, while the court handles the rest of the outstanding issues. You can start mediation at any point in the divorce process and we will be happy to help you work toward resolution on one, two, or all of your remaining issues. It’s not “all or nothing” and, if you start in litigation, we will welcome you with open arms if you reconsider mediation at a later time. (While the local family courts have little to no availability for several months, we can accommodate you without delay.) Do not hesitate to reach out if you’re curious about what mediation could do for your case.

Mediation vs. Litigation   Mediation: Objective: Working towards a resolution. Nature: Focus on resolving issues rather than winning or losing. Efficiency: Saves time and money. Control: Clients stay in control and are actively involved in the process. Approach: Tailored to the specific situation, treating each case as unique. Litigation: Objective: Often about winning and losing. Nature: Involves lengthy processes and can lead to unnecessary, exorbitant costs. Efficiency: Involves lengthy processes and can be expensive. Control: Clients may feel they lose control and get lost in the legal proceedings. Approach: Can be based on stereotypes or standardized procedures. Contact us to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a family mediation expert for more information. www.maesconsulting.ca

Mediating early in a dispute has a number of advantages, for instance: parties may be less entrenched in conflict at that stage, less money has been spent in legal fees and thus may be available for settlement, relationships (if important in a particular dispute) may be more easily salvaged, and early mediation allows parties the opportunity to consider an off-ramp from conflict before the grinding stress of drawn-out litigation. On the other hand, it's usually the case that less information has been exchanged between parties when an early mediation takes place, whether it is before litigation has started, or prior to documentary and/or oral discovery. One way to address this tension is to see whether counsel can identify what information is needed in order to properly advise on settlement options, and agree on some discrete documentary and perhaps oral discovery prior to the mediation. It can be frustrating to realize mid-way through mediation that there simply isn't enough information to assess litigation risk, and this situation might be avoided with proper preparation. In any case it's very important to involve clients in the discussion as to ideal mediation timing. They may have considerations quite apart from the legal and evidentiary strength of their case impacting their view on when a mediation is best scheduled. What are your thoughts on early mediation?

Mediation Monday (On a Tuesday) - Be Prepared to be Flexible So much of success in litigation is preparation. By the time people get to trial, there should be limited surprises to the attorneys (although every trial attorney has a book of stories about the unexpected things that happen). The best trial attorneys are prepared to be flexible - they can adapt and adjust to the narrow bit of unexpected things that happen. They are prepared so much that they aren't locked in any specific argument, strategy, or order of events. Mediation is much the same. Preparation leads to the ability to be flexible with your clients. Did the other side bring up a fact you didn't know about? Preparation means you can pivot to deal with it because you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Did the other side take a position you weren't expecting? Preparation enables you to use the mediation to pivot and use the mediation for all possible purposes - like finding out what the other side is thinking. Don't think of preparation as forcing you to follow what you prepared. Think of it as giving you all the tools to follow wherever the litigation leads with confidence and skill.

What does “winning” mean in the world of litigation? Hard to define, isn’t it? Is it getting summary judgment? Obtaining that coveted jury verdict? Let’s say you get your hands on that shiny judgment. What if the process was so long, expensive, and stressful for your clients that it took years off their lives and left them feeling like they “lost?” This is a conversation I’ve been having with my colleagues for years and I’d venture to guess that some of the lawyers reading this post can relate. It’s a conversation I would think about when I went to mediation. As a litigator, I always looked forward to mediation. My favorite mediators were the ones who helped my clients appreciate the benefits of winning their own personal “long game” (as opposed to merely focusing on winning the legal battle), whether that be through rebuilding trust and communication with the other party, gaining the peace and satisfaction that comes through collaboration, mitigating risk, or saving the time, money, and heartache that comes with continued litigation. In case you’re wondering where I’m going with this… yes, I’ve become a mediator. More specifically, I am now a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator providing services through my new company, Billings Mediation, LLC. Although the business is still in its early stages, I have an ambitious goal: to become the type of mediator that I always admired. Many thanks to my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and all those who encouraged me to follow my heart and pursue a field that fuels me with passion and purpose. There is a long road ahead, but I couldn’t be more excited. Have any thoughts on mediation and what makes a mediator great? Please feel free to drop a comment or direct message. Would love to hear it. 

Mediation is different from litigation in that it is a cooperative process where the parties work out their own resolution rather than have a judge or jury tell them the outcome. Mediation is less of an adversarial process than litigation. As a result, solutions are often reached quickly and at a smaller cost to the parties. You don't need an attorney at a mediation, but you certainly can involve one. Our trained mediators can assist the parties to sit down and productively discuss the issues and to address the needs and "wants" of all parties. The parties stay in control and if an agreement cannot be reached, then litigation is still an option. Most cases can be resolved by mediation. Let us know whether we can help you. Shannon Howard-Eldridge, mediator, 985-292-2000 Craig J. Robichaux, mediator, 985-624-5010

📣 Hey there! Got a dispute that needs resolving? Tired of the hassle and expense of going to court? We've got you covered with our top-notch mediation services! 🤝 🔍 Mediation offers a bunch of awesome benefits over traditional litigation processes. Check it out: 1️⃣ Say goodbye to stress! No need to worry about being stuck with an outcome you don't like. In mediation, you have the power to craft an agreement that works for you. 💪 2️⃣ Forget the drama! Mediation is all about working together, not against each other. Say goodbye to acrimonious court battles and hello to finding common ground. 🤝 3️⃣ Better results, your way! Unlike cookie-cutter court decisions, mediation allows for flexibility. You get to shape the agreement to fit your unique situation. 📜 4️⃣ Save your hard-earned cash! Mediation is not only faster but also more cost-effective than going to court. Say hello to a resolution that won't break the bank. 💰 5️⃣ Need a speedy resolution for a complex dispute? Mediation can help cut through the complexity and get you to a resolution faster than you'd expect. 🏃♂️ 6️⃣ Bye-bye court fees! With mediation, you can save on costly legal expenses. Keep your wallet happy and your stress levels low. 💼 7️⃣ Privacy matters! In mediation, confidentiality is key. Rest assured that your discussions and agreements will remain confidential. 🤫 Ready to give mediation a shot? Call us at (952) 442-7722 for a consultation or shoot us an email at mbeaulier@mhslaw.com. Let's resolve your dispute the smart way! 🌟 #MediationServices #DisputeResolution #SmartSolutions #NoMoreCourtDrama

#Mediation #ConflictResolution #DignifiedDisputeResolution #DDR Seeking resolution without the courtroom chaos? Dignified Dispute Resolution offers mediation services that prioritize collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and relationship preservation. Read more on the benefits of choosing mediation over litigation and connect with our accredited mediators today! https://lnkd.in/dRUfEtiY     The Art of Resolution: Exploring the Benefits of Mediation Over Litigation     In a world where conflicts are inevitable, the approach we choose to resolve them can make a profound difference. Mediation and litigation represent two distinct paths towards resolution, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, as we navigate an ever-evolving legal landscape, the benefits of mediation are becoming increasingly evident.   Mediation: A Collaborative Dance Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation between disputing parties. Unlike litigation, mediation encourages collaboration, allowing participants to actively engage in finding common ground. The mediator doesn't impose decisions but guides discussions towards mutually agreeable solutions. At Dignified Dispute Resolution, our accredited and experienced mediators facilitate disputes in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.   Litigation: The Legal Battlefield Litigation involves a formal legal process where disputes are settled through a court judgment. It's an adversarial system where parties present their cases, and a judge or magistrate makes a final decision. While litigation offers a structured and binding resolution, it often comes with high costs, time-consuming procedures, and a winner-takes-all mentality.

Seeking Resolution for Your Dispute? Discover the Benefits of Mediation! Are you caught in a dispute that needs a swift and cost-effective resolution? Look no further! Our mediation services offer a solution that can save you time, money, and preserve important relationships. Here's why you should consider mediation: Faster and More Cost-Effective: In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates a conference where both parties can express their concerns. Unlike lengthy lawsuits, mediation conferences can be scheduled quickly, often taking only days or weeks to complete. This not only saves you valuable time but also reduces costs compared to hiring lawyers for a prolonged legal battle. In fact, some courts and non-profits even offer mediation services for free or at a nominal rate. ️ Confidential and Less Formal: Mediation provides a more informal and collaborative environment compared to traditional litigation. The absence of strict rules of evidence and procedures allows for greater engagement and open communication between parties. Moreover, mediation is typically confidential, ensuring that there are no public records or transcripts. Preserves Relationships and Offers Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of mediation is its ability to preserve relationships that may otherwise be damaged through lengthy court battles. By focusing on collaboration rather than adversarial outcomes, mediation can help maintain important connections. This is particularly valuable in family law cases. Additionally, parties often report better outcomes through mediation compared to lawsuits, as mediated settlements can be adopted by the court much sooner. Ready to explore the benefits of mediation for your dispute? Contact us today for a consultation at (952) 442-7722 or email us at mbeaulier@mhslaw.com. Our experienced team is here to guide you towards a swift and satisfactory resolution. #MediationServices #DisputeResolution #SaveTimeAndMoney #PreserveRelationships #CollaborativeSolution #SwiftResolution #ChooseMediation

Choose Between Litigation and MediationIn our social interactions, conflicts are inevitable, whether with family, colleagues, or even strangers. While litigation might appear as the first solution to disputes, it can often exacerbate the issue rather than resolve it. As situations escalate, the missed opportunities for an earlier, simpler resolution become apparent, highlighting the wasted time, money, and energy.I propose mediation as a peaceful alternative for dispute resolution. Mediation involves a structured, confidential negotiation led by a neutral third party, the mediator, who helps all parties reach a satisfactory agreement. This process allows for creative solutions that are legally sound and enforceable, crafted with the input of all involved.Mediation becomes particularly valuable when direct confrontation is difficult or litigation is imminent or underway. It aims to resolve disputes amicably, avoiding the blame game and ensuring outcomes that all parties can agree on, unlike the often unsatisfactory, lengthy, and expensive litigation process.The choice between litigation and mediation is yours to make.As a certified mediator, I am available for any inquiries or assistance you might need.