Mediation Services Offered by Ridgway and Gafken, P.S.
Many individuals are especially interested in facilitated mediation as an alternative to trial. Essentially a formalized settlement process, mediation involves the selection of a neutral mediator to facilitate negotiations between the parties to a dispute.
Sheila Ridgway is available to serves as a mediator for a broad range of clients facing issues in regard to estate matters, wills, trusts and elder law matters. The Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) law promotes mediation of cases. As a result, much trust and estate litigation in Washington is resolved through mediation. In this context, Sheila's services would not be as your attorney but a neutral, third-party mediator who assists all parties in reaching a favorable settlement for the situation at hand.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a formal settlement process, where there is an independent and neutral mediator who assists with the process. The philosophy is that all parties have complete control of the situation — rather than putting the decision making process in the hands of a judge or jury.
All parties go to a secure and confidential location, and the mediator goes back and forth between the parties in an effort to get the parties to reach a decision. This is a completely voluntary process where everyone has control of the situation, and the mediator has no authority or ability to make a ruling at the end of the discussions. Many individuals choose mediation, because it is often much less costly, stressful and time consuming than litigation.
It is important to know that the mediator cannot force a settlement or issue binding decisions. Instead, he or she helps the parties establish acceptable ranges for compromise and reach a settlement. If the parties cannot settle their dispute through mediation, then they may advance to arbitration or trial. Additionally, nearly all types of cases can be mediated with assistance from a neutral third-party mediator.
Talk With a Washington Mediator: 206-973-3479
To discuss your concerns and learn more about how we can help you in your adoption journey, please call to talk with a knowledgeable attorney at 206-973-3479. Feel free to email us to schedule a meeting or with your questions. All consultations are confidential.
