Does mediation really work?
The short answer is yes. Although I do all mediations, I specialize in high conflict mediations. High conflict mediations are often when parties do not want to be in mediation and/or there is such animosity between the parties that mediation seems impossible.
Do you mediate family issues?
Yes. A qualified Family Mediator will meet with you both and help you to reach a satisfactory outcome, which works for you and the children. Mediation allows you to apply your morals, values and ideas of fairness to create the outcome that works for your family, the Mediator will ensure the outcome sits within the legal framework required by the court.
Do you mediate special education?
Yes. I served 12 years on my local school board and became versed in IEPs, FERPA, FAPE, LRE and all the issues surrounding special education. Often times with all the legal terms the student gets lost, I will keep the focus on the child. Try informal mediation before filing with OAH, this could reduce the financial and emotional cost of litigation.
My parents are elderly and my siblings and I are fighting over the long term plans for their care – can you help us?
Yes. I am on the court panel for elder mediations and a certified Eldercaring Coordinator (less than 20 in California). Eldercaring Coordination is a court referred program. If the court feels the families can benefit they will refer. The key indicators for Eldercaring Coordination referrals are multiple petitions for conservatorship, multiple motions filed with the court, large parties, inability to resolve in mediation. Often times the elder participates in the solutions. I often hold these sessions in the home of the elder so that they are in a comfortable, familiar environment.
How long have you been mediating?
I became a DRPA certified mediator in 1999. From 1999-2014 I strictly mediated (and litigated) family law cases. In 2014, my office expanded to high conflict mediations, which includes family law, elder law, special education, HOA and others. I currently mediate court civil harassment cases weekly, am on the court elder mediation panel, court eldercaring coordination panel and work as a temporary judge often being assigned settlement conferences.
Will you travel?
Yes. I specialize in high conflict mediations. High conflict mediations are often when parties do not want to be in mediation and/or there is such animosity between the parties that mediation seems impossible. Mediation works when the parties feel comfortable and safe. I have found over the years that the environment matters, so I often go to attorneys offices, dining rooms and living rooms.