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A more, respectful, peaceful
way to get divorced.

Divorce proceedings do not have to be traumatic
and exceedingly costly.

Michigan Divorce Mediation Specialists

3 Convenient Locations in Ann Arbor, Novi and Plymouth

We empower our clients to make informed decisions throughout the divorce process. If you are considering divorce, we would be proud to help you begin the next chapter in your life. We are devoted to our clients and build individualized solutions in order to exceed their expectations. We have been serving the needs of families throughout Oakland County for nearly five decades. With our extensive experience and in-depth legal knowledge, you can be confident in our ability to resolve your family-related legal matter next. Do not hesitate to secure the representation of our Michigan divorce mediation lawyers. We can help you navigate the complexities of your divorce proceedings with ease and confidence.

Are You Ready To Begin The Next Chapter In Your Life

Speak With Our Certified Family Law Specialist

Why Mediate

Avoid the emotional and financial strife caused by divorce

Less Stressful,Confidential.

Mediation occurs in a controlled, confidential setting, which minimizes arguments between the parties and which allows each party to hear and consider what the other party is saying without the need for an immediate defensive response. Mediation can be an effective means for parties to begin the process of learning to communicate with each other in a more civil less pressured way.

Less Expensive

Mediation is generally much more cost effective than the parties proceeding to a contested court hearing, which may involve attorney fees and costs in the tens of thousands of dollars, require the involvement of expensive experts, and result in years of litigation, including possible appeals.

Benefits of Divorce Mediation

There are many advantages to divorce mediation.

  • Controls costs, both emotionally and financially.
  • Benefits the children by reducing conflict between parents.
  • Enables parties to emerge from divorce with self-respect.
  • Confidential process the parties control rather than attorneys and judges.
  • Customized agreements for your unique situation.
  • Greater degree of control over outcome.

How Mediation Works

Mediation in divorce is a process in which an unbiased third party, a mediator, helps divorcing parties reach agreement on contested issues. These issues generally include division of property and debt, and each parent’s responsibilities regarding child custody, visitation, and child support.

Mediation gives you the opportunity to say what is important to you, and hear your spouse’s perspective in a civilized and fair setting. As you work through each issue, you design for yourselves a workable agreement that you both can live with. The solutions you reach together are tailored to your specific circumstances. If an agreement can be reached, it is reduced to writing and signed by the parties. This agreement is binding on the parties and converted into a divorce judgment that is entered with the court.

What is the Mediation Process?

The following is a basic outline of what you can expect from the mediation process:

  • First appointment: You and your spouse will meet to discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve through mediation. An agreement will be drafted and signed by all parties, indicating that you will be mediating your divorce. You will be given a set of financial disclosures to complete.
  • Subsequent appointments: Depending on how many issues you need to discuss, you will have one or more meetings following your initial meeting. During these appointments, we will work through the issues at hand. This process can be rather quick unless you or your spouse need extended time to think.
  • Final appointment/agreement: Once you have reached agreements on all important issues, the mediator will gather all of the necessary notes and draft your settlement agreement. Your divorce agreement will be ready to present to the appropriate court.
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AT 248-374-1800

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR AWARDS

Who is the Mediator

Experienced.

Our law practice is led by attorney Edward Shaw, who has more than 27 years of experience. Mr. Shaw has been a lecturer on the law and has authored a weekly article in a local newspaper devoted to legal issues. Prior to becoming a divorce attorney, Mr. Shaw was employed at a large accounting firm where he was involved in the area of divorce, estate planning and tax litigation support, which included businesses and pension valuations and the analysis of various financial and tax issues.

Unbiased.

The role of the mediator is to guide and assist you and your spouse as you problem solve, rather than to impose solutions to conflicts as a judge would do. The mediator remains neutral to both parties, and keeps the issues clear.

The mediator does not provide legal advice to either party during the meetings. Rather, the mediator navigates you through difficult discussions and helps you both to explore your options, with the goal of reaching solutions that you and your spouse find fair and acceptable.

ANN ARBOR

2723 S. State Street

Ste 150

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

NOVI

42705 Grand River Ave.

Ste 201

Novi, Michigan 48375

PLYMOUTH

296 South Main St.

Ste 206

Plymouth, MI 48170