Mediation is collaborative, inclusive, and transparent. To preserve fairness to both parties, I prefer to limit one-on-one communication (ideally limited to email) with mediation clients. Please send me an email to let me know your needs and the type of consultation you'd like to schedule. I will respond the same day.
Consultation
The main purpose of the 20-minute meet-and-greet is for the mediator and the potential clients to get to know each other and to understand anything about the mediation process that you would like to clarify based on the preparatory information you will receive before the meet-and-greet. The specific issues that you need to mediate will not be discussed in detail at a meet-and-greet, except to briefly identify them.
Free 20-Minute Meet-and-Greet
The first 30-minute block is free of charge. Its content is similar to the 20-minute meet-and-greet session (see above for details), except that it allows for some additional time to ask preliminary questions.
The second 30-minute block is also free of charge when you commit to the 90-minute introduction. You may share the specifics of your case. I will ask which components of the mediation process apply to you -- whether you have children under 21, your assets, your debts, your income, and other related details. I will begin to present possible concerns and questions that clients often have about each element, so that you have a framework to address your needs in mediation without the conflict of discussing them at the introduction.
Only the third 30-minute block is billed time ($123 if reserved before August 1; $135 if reserved on or after August 1). We will continue to discuss your particular needs, although the introduction is not the setting in which to begin resolving the issues of the mediation. I will discuss with you the likely timeframe of mediation based on the needs you have identified. I will share with you the preparation that you should expect to allow yourself time to complete. The preparation process for mediation is not especially time-consuming, but the particular "to do" list is different for each couple.
90-Minute Introduction with Free First Hour
Do both parties need to attend the consultation? Yes. The meet-and-greets and introductions are offered in the same format that mediation sessions will be conducted -- with both parties present.
Must both parties be in the same location for the consultation? If you are meeting in person, the two parties will be together in the room with me. If you are meeting via Zoom, you may meet in the same location or separate locations, however you prefer.
Do we need to have filed for divorce before our consultation? No. In fact, almost none of my clients have already filed before they come to mediation. My clients file at the end of mediation after all outstanding issues have been resolved.
Do we need to prepare documents before our consultation? No. Actually, I suggest you not prepare anything, for two reasons:
You may be making efforts that are not useful for the mediation. I have a streamlined but thorough approach to discovery. If you try to prepare in advance, you may end up doing more than necessary.
Mediation is a collaborative process. When one person prepares significant information and provides it to me or brings it to the initial consultation, it often puts the other party on the defensive and sets a litigious or overly formal tone, even unintentionally. I will ensure that you have a thorough process by directing the discovery and facilitating the discussions that lead to proposals and alternatives.
If you have proposals prepared, they may not reflect the appropriate tax considerations or other factors that could influence whether you would have proposed them in the first place. Further, I find that clients who have prepared more in advance tend to have entrenched positions that make it harder for them to be willing to accept feedback and alternatives. I urge you to wait to discuss specific scenarios until after mediation begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation Consultations
Matthew House J.D. | Divorce Mediation
3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Suite 271
Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 643-5284
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Matthew House's practice is neutral, limited to divorce mediation and financial analysis. He holds a law degree but is not a member of the Oregon State Bar. No information provided on 503.legal constitutes legal advice. The use of this website does not form a mediator-client relationship.
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