Michelle Berry Domer has been a certified family law mediator since 2002. She charges a reasonable fee for medation which is usually divided between the parties. To schedule a mediation please contact Michelle at 812-336-8300 or michelle@berryanddomer.com.

MEDIATION:

In mediation the parties hire a neutral third party to assist them in reaching agreements. The mediator can provide information about the legal process and guide a discussion to help resolve issues. The mediator is often a lawyer but does not have to be. The mediator does not represent either party and cannot provide legal advice. Mediation is confidential and therefore any concessions made during the mediation process cannot be discussed later in court if the process is not successful. The parties involved in mediation may represent themselves or have their attorney present. Mediation can be done in one room with discussions being held in front of both parties or the mediator can separate the parties and float back and forth between the rooms to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The goal of mediation is to allow parties to reach an agreement that meets the needs of both parties and their children without the financial and emotional cost of a court battle. In mediation the parties and the mediator can be creative with their agreements and reach agreements which are beyond the ability of the Judge in some instances. Agreements reached in mediation in Indiana are generally binding agreements even before the Judge has approved them.

Advantages:
1. Generally lower cost than litigation;
2. Non-adversarial focus;
3. The ability to keep the process private and confidential
4. Creative solutions;
5. Less stress on parents and children when agreements are reached;
6. Mediation can be scheduled and resolved faster than litigation.
7. If an agreement is reach in mediation, it is generally binding when signed.