Best Mediation lawyers in Lynchburg, VA

2 Mediation Lawyers in Lynchburg, VA

experienced lawyers

Frank West Morrison

828 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA

Family Law Mediation +2

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

25 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous

Mr. Morrison handled my divorce. My personal and emotional well being was always a priority, after my consultation he immediately guided me to attend counseling. Throughout the entire long painful process of divorce I always felt encouraged knowing my legal counsel worked hard to help me get the final result I desired and needed. Frank Morrison is truly a man of great character. I highly recommend him.

13 Mar, 2019 by Valisha

Frank Morrison was retained by our family for a custody case. He provided an initial no fee consultation via phone, and immediately went to work once retained. From the moment that he and his assistant Jenny became involved, I could tell that they were as invested as we were in the safety and well-being of the child. Dealing with some unique circumstances throughout the case was very stressful for us as a family, and at times we were not all on the same page, but Frank expertly used his mediation skills and had us back on track before we even knew what he was doing. The team was responsive throughout the case and flexible throughout the case - never missed an appointment and even worked weekends to accommodate our schedules, with us being out of the area the majority of the time. He was fair as it related to billing and fees - we never felt as if they were milking the clock or managing the case for his benefit. Every step we took he advised us of what our options were, including those that resulted in less billable time for him, and what we could go at alone or to help shave off time he needed to give. I cannot reiterate just how stressful a custody case can be, but Frank was as committed as we were, so it made each step a little more tolerable. When you hire an attorney it is not only for the time they spend on the case, but for the reputation they have in the jurisdiction; the guidance they provide, as you navigate one of the most horrific things you can go through; the knowledge that comes with experience that no lay person would ever have a reason to know; and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are not alone in this. In our case Frank represented the paternal side of the case, and despite how the laws may have evolved, the mentality of most jurisdictions do not treat fathers in the same manner as mothers when it comes to custody. Deadbeat dads have been a term that society has become accustomed to, along with the mentality that a child is automatically better off in the primary care of its biological mother - which is just not always the case. It was nice to have someone who understood that and did not subscribe to that antiquated way of thinking. So while I hope to never need Frank's services ever again, I would not hesitate to reach out to him again and recommend him for anyone who is looking for an attorney, an advocate, an adviser, and an ally all-in-one.

20 Feb, 2019 by Wendy

I hired Mr. Morrison when seeking a divorce. Mr. Morrison has let this case drag on for over 2 years and has not accomplished the things he said he would be able to do. When I question why things are not happening he always says that the other lawyer is not doing what he is supposed to do. However when we were in court it was the other lawyer that seemed well prepared and confident. Mr. Morrison also told me I needed to bring someone to court with me to testify that my husband and I were living separate and apart. I told Mr. Morrison I did not want this person to know my financial information but he proceeded to discuss my financial information with her in the room showing no respect for my request to keep my information confidential. When I arrived for my appointment yesterday Mr. Morrison was not there. When he finally arrived he said he had to leave again and for me to stay and update my budget with office staff. I regret hiring this attorney.

Mary Marcy Jones

1602 Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg, VA

Child Custody Family Law Mediation +3

3.6/5

3.6

3 Reviews

25 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous

Two years ago during a very difficult time, as all divorces are, I thought Marcy was doing right by me. Now I come to find out that she never had my best interests at heart. Being in a relationship with a narcissistic individual I had been poorly treated for years and doubted my gut feelings and was naïve to believe that he would be fair about things. Two years removed from the abusive situation I am now realizing this. I have researched the terms of our agreement and do not understand or see how I was ever supposed to pay the alimony this WOMAN said I should be paying. I have spoken to lawyers since the divorce was finalized and I have found out that there is no calculator that has me paying him alimony. I realize that this is all on me, but unless you have ever been in a situation where you were manipulated and gaslight for years you can't understand how that can destroy you as a person. Marcy had access to all the same calculators that every other lawyer has access too and should have known that alimony did not need to be paid. I feel like she was swayed by him and should have been impartial. I would not recommend to anyone to go to her. Get a lawyer that is working for you and you alone!!

12 Sep, 2020 by Ed

M. Marcy Jones is the best! Highly recommended! I'm confident she will handle your situation in a compassionate way.

10 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous

Marcy was very helpful and professional. She was able to complete all my individual request associated with the divorce. The process was completed in a very concise and timely manner. I appreciate her professionalism and the way she handled my case with regards to respecting my ex spouse while still respecting my needs. I would highly recommend Marcy to anybody who is seeking a confident, experienced, lawyer that is focused on the clients need, then Marcy is the right choice.

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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.

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.