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24 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
For those of you looking for a competent, trustworthy, no phoney baloney family law
Advocate, go no further. I had many slick family law
Lawyers court me, none of them would have been able what Ms. Parker-Wesley had done for me and my kids. She is the best. Thank god for her tenacity, insight, breathe of knowledge and her love of helping those in need. She really seems to understand. She cares and goes the extra mile for you. I can't speak highly enough about her. Good luck with your divorce... My had been brutal. I wish you and your family well.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Tara
My ex and I had already gone through the divorce process for 4 months (almost in court) with individual lawyers prior to finding Lorna. Our individual lawyers, while claiming to be on our side did not take any steps towards settling out of Court. In fact it was more my Ex's lawyer who milked him for every dime she could get her hands on. She had no intention of working with my lawyer and basically has us headed full speed to Court with huge lawyer fees along the way. We finally talked and realized we could come to an amicable situation and found Lorna.
Lorna fit us in VERY last minute which was appreciated in ways I cannot express because we were 2 days from a Court appearance. She listened to what we wanted, talked through a few open issues with us and by one session we had an agreement. We rushed her for final documents and she went above and beyond to have them for us within a week. I cannot thank her enough to helping us.
Lorna is calm and accommodating. If you are looking for someone who will work to have your differences wrapped up quickly (not dragging it out like every other lawyer in town) then I think you should consider her services.
I have no complaints.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Monica vincent
We came to Lorna knowing that collaborative law would be the smartest, most efficient choice for my ex husband and myself. Lorna took the time to really get to know us, our situation, our personal issues. This made a significant difference in our dealing with a highly emotional affair.
I want to publicly thank Lorna for all the hard work, clear communication, care and follow through she put into our divorce. She was kind and thoughtful, listened well and responded to both of our needs. I never felt that she was taking sides or wasn't looking out for the best interest of us both....that was exactly what we wanted and expected from a collaborative lawyer.
I would highly recommend Ms Jaynes. She is an excellent lawyer with many skills. She will guide you through the divorce maze and yet stay clear and open....just what is needed.
As for collaboration vs. the 'family court' approach, we are glad to have chosen a route that didn't divide us further. The collaborative approach was so much more cost effective....I can't imagine how much we would have spent had we both hired our own lawyers! Also, I feel with Lorna's help and the collaborative process we both had far less stress than going to court, our issues were settled in a non-adversarial manner and she managed our conflicts, emotional issues and relationship issues creatively.
I hope you find this helpful....I am a true believer in this process and in Lorna.
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07 Mar, 2014 by Deb
Divorce is never ideal and an incredible hardship on families, I can honestly say that after living through it. If I had felt there was any other way for reconciliation, I never would have considered it, but after that decision had been made, I found myself looking for the next step.
After hearing that there was an alternative to being a docket number in a traditional, drug out, expensive, process for divorce through the court system, I began a search through Google for Collaborative Law and found Lorna's name. After talking with her, I found her incredibly supportive and informative from the onset. That continued well after the last document was signed. I always felt that she had my best interests at heart while maintaining what was best and fair for the whole family. Never being through this before, she provided the legal experience and knowledge that I needed because, honestly, I just didn't always know what I was legally entitled to. I found that she always kept me informed of where we were in the process. She was very approachable if I had a question and, equally as important, she answered promptly which was very much appreciated. It did a lot to relieve the anxiety that just comes with the territory. I would have to admit that I was not always an effective speaker through the process and there were times where my mind drew blanks, but because Lorna had taken the time to get to know me, my voice was heard through her and she was able to put into words what I wasn't always able to do for myself. I don't think that my case could have been settled any better than it was with Lorna and certainly not as fast. She was exactly who I needed at that time and I'm grateful that I Googled Collaborative Law and found her.
I can't discuss the value of finding Lorna without discussing the benefits of Collaborative Law for anyone that may be searching right now. The process of Collaborative Law provided a means for divorce in a nontraditional way. It is a process where issues can be discussed and unraveled across a table with the help and guidance of specifically and specially trained Collaborative Attorneys who keep the discussions on point, fair and productive. It differs from mediation in that each spouse retains a Collaborative Attorney. It also provides a way for you and your children, through referred Licensed Family Counselors, to have a voice in the custody plan instead of being told what that will be by a Judge who doesn't know your family. That was a driving force for me.
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Questions? We have answers
What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You
A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.
Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.
When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?
Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:
- Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
- Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
- Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
- Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
- Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
- Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.
What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?
A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
- Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
- Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
- Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
- Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
- Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
- Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.
How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?
Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
- Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
- Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.
Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.
How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
- Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.
Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer
Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case. -
What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation. -
How long will the mediation process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests. -
Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.
How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
- Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
- List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
- Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
- Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
- Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.
