Mediation

A specially trained individual meets with the clients and the attorneys to help them reach an agreement. Although the mediator is supposed to be impartial, each side should have representation to protect their legal rights and to inform them about the consequences of an agreement.

Melody M. Petitt can mediate your case, however both parties must agree to this service.

Arbitration

The parties may choose to submit their case to a trained individual who will decides the case. The arbitrator's decisions are made in to the judgment of the court and are binding on he party as would be the decisions of a trial judge.

Informal Settlement Process

This is the process where both parties  meet with attorneys present to negotiate a settelement. There is no third-party mediator or other person present to help facilitate negotioations.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is a process where the parties and their attorneys agree to resolve all issues in their case without going to court. Neither party may ask for a trial as long as they are attempting to negotiate a settlement through the Collaborative Process. In the unlikely event that a party feels that trial is a better alternative, the Collaborative Law process terminates and both spouses must hire new lawyers to take their case to court.