Understanding Limited Scope Representation

Private Confidential Mediation offers a unique and empowering approach to resolving Family Law disputes. As your mediator, Ms. Nelson's role is strictly neutral; She does not represent either party. Her commitment is to facilitate a process where you and the other party can reach mutually agreeable solutions in a private and confidential setting.

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Key aspects of Private Confidential Mediation include:

• Neutral Education: One of Ms. Nelson's primary functions is to educate both parties about the potential outcomes if your case were to proceed to trial. This ensures you are fully informed of your legal rights and obligations, enabling you to make well-reasoned decisions during negotiations.

• Client Control and Flexible Solutions: Unlike a courtroom setting where a judge is bound by specific legal parameters, private mediation allows you to craft creative and personalized agreements that might not be available through litigation. This puts you, the clients, in control of your future, rather than a judge.

• Comprehensive Document Preparation (Excluding QDROs): We will prepare all necessary legal forms for both parties, streamlining the administrative process. Please note, however, that the preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), which involve the division of retirement assets, requires specialized expertise. Should a QDRO be necessary in your case, an attorney who specializes in this complex area will need to be jointly-retained as an expert in mediation.

• Strict Confidentiality and Limited Involvement: Our mediation sessions are strictly confidential and protected by law. Ms. Nelson's communications will be limited solely to you, the clients, and any jointly-retained experts (e.g., QDRO attorneys, real estate appraisers, business appraisers, accountants) whose input is essential for informed decision-making. Ms. Nelson will not communicate with or meet with anyone else, including other attorneys or the court.

• The Cost of Experts Not Covered:  The cost of experts is not included in our price.  If experts are needed, one of the agreements reached in mediation will be how these experts shall be paid.

• Termination of Involvement if Contested: Ms. Nelson's involvement in your case terminates if the mediation process breaks down and the case becomes contested. In such an event, you will need to either represent yourselves or engage attorneys who will provide full legal representation.

• Preservation of Work Product: Should mediation conclude without a full agreement, any forms that have already been filed will remain in place. Furthermore, you and the other party can mutually agree to retain and utilize any work product prepared by our office and/or outside experts during the mediation process.

• Mediator Testimony Prohibited: Due to the strict confidentiality protections afforded to private mediation, Ms. Nelson cannot be called to testify in court about any discussions or events that occurred during our mediation sessions. This legal safeguard ensures a safe and open environment for negotiation.

• Refund Policy:  If mediation terminates before all work is complete, all time spent on the case will be billed at Ms. Nelson's hourly rate of $200 and our paralegal's rate of $50 per hour, not to exceed the original cost of the package you purchased.  A detailed invoice will be provided that will clearly show all time spent on your case.  If the amount of invoice is less than the original cost of the package your purchased, the remaining funds will be refunded.

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Private Confidential Mediation empowers you to resolve your Family Law matters efficiently and amicably, maintaining control over the outcome and fostering durable agreements.