Family Law Mediation Services in Kennewick

Guiding Clients Through the Mediation Process in Benton and Franklin County

Are you and your partner considering ending your long term relationship? Rather than go the traditional divorce route if you’re married (or if you’re in a non-traditional partnership), you may want to consider mediation instead. Mediation is a process that allows you to settle your issues by collaborating with your partner and a neutral third party to come up with solutions that work best for everyone involved.

Mediation can help resolve issues such as:

• Property division
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Alimony and spousal support
• Parenting plans
• And more

Alternative Solutions to Divorce for Kennewick Families

At Tri-Cities Family Law, our Kennewick mediation attorney can help you settle your divorce and other related matters without ever stepping into a courtroom. Mediation is also a great option for domestic partners, people in committed intimate relationships the state of Washington deems “marriage like,” and those who are unmarried but share assets and/or children.

Wondering if mediation is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our mediation lawyer by calling (509) 320-4899 or filling out our online contact form today.

Understanding the Mediation Process

Mediation is a process where the divorcing parties meet with a neutral third party in an attempt to resolve their dispute on their own terms, rather than have the decision be passed down by a judge or jury. Mediation generally offers the parties the opportunity to resolve their dispute through a mutual agreement that best suits the parties’ circumstances that costs substantially less than litigation.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Unlike with divorce proceedings, what happens during mediation doesn’t go on the public record, making the process more private and confidential.
• Mediation is typically far quicker and cheaper than divorce.
• It is also generally less argumentative than divorce.
• Mediation doesn’t involve any trials or hearings.
• You can still work with a lawyer to get legal advice and help.
• Most mediation sessions end by successfully settling all issues.
• If the mediation process proves unsuccessful, you and your partner are free to try the more traditional approach to divorce.

What to Do If Mediation Fails

Mediation is encouraged and generally required by the courts. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own to resolve their disputes, the court can order certain services geared toward assisting the parties in settling their matter or providing the court with more information.

Guardian Ad Litems in Family Mediation

If the parties cannot reach an agreement on how to share their children a guardian ad litem (or GAL) will be appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the parties’ child or children. A guardian ad litem is a neutral party who has undergone special training to qualify them for their assignments by the court. Guardian ad litems investigate allegations, meet with the parties and children, and ultimately make recommendations to the court as to what parenting plan is in the best interests of the children.

Tailored Mediation Services for Kennewick Residents

Living in Kennewick, part of the beautiful Tri-Cities area, comes with unique challenges, especially regarding family matters. At Tri-Cities Family Law, we understand the local dynamics and are here to offer mediation services that cater specifically to the needs of our community. Whether navigating a separation or dealing with child custody issues, our mediation services are designed to help you find amicable solutions without the stress of court proceedings.

Kennewick residents can benefit from local resources such as the Benton County Courthouse and the Franklin County Courthouse, which often encourage mediation as a first step in resolving disputes. These local government entities recognize the value of mediation in reducing the emotional and financial toll on families.

One of the common pain points for families in Kennewick is the complexity of property division, especially when it involves local assets like homes or businesses. Our mediation services can help you and your partner reach a fair agreement, ensuring both parties feel heard and respected. Additionally, issues like child custody and support are particularly sensitive, and our local knowledge allows us to provide solutions that are in the best interest of your children, taking into account the specific needs of families in Benton and Franklin Counties.

We know that every family is different, and our deep understanding of the Kennewick area allows us to offer personalized mediation services that truly address your unique situation. By choosing mediation, you can avoid the adversarial nature of court battles and work towards a resolution that benefits everyone involved.

Ready to explore mediation as a solution for your family issues? Contact Tri-Cities Family Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a peaceful resolution.