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17 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Levels represented me for multiple family law issues and I found her to be knowledgeable, helpful, hard working and fair. She is very understanding and her rates are reasonable. I highly recommend her.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Polly crawford
Rocky was chosen by the court to represent my daughter Lauren when she was only 15, several years ago by her dad and his wife. I had met the wife briefly only a few times during an exchange so she did not know at all. This had been an ongoing attempt by her dad to alienate my daughter from me just like his own mother did to him and his sisters when they were young from their own father. The only accusation against me was I did not help my daughter with her Type 1 diabetes when in fact within a couple of years of her diagnosis I went back to college to become a Registered Nurse to better care for my daughter. My RN specialty is Diabetes and Hemodialysis which is the end result of patients non-compliance with taking care of their diabetes. Many sleepless nights of having to do 2am-3am blood glucose readings. My daughter’s Child psychologist asked me if she could contact her Pediatrician for a conference which I agreed to not knowing what it was about. The Child psychologist and Pediatrician called me into a meeting to advise me to get a restraining order against her dad because he was causing mental health issues which was directly affecting her health. As a college student single mother I had no way to afford court. I had been in counseling from the mental and emotional abuse from this man for 2 years but I was told I could not bring up the past. Her child psychologist told me I needed to protect because he is a Narcissistic Sociopath. That really blew my mind because as Dr. Phil says, ‘ a good indicator or future behavior is past behavior’. Since my daughter was 3-4 years old and would come home from visits, she would exhibit out-of-control behavior and her daycare or pre-school teachers would always say, she must have seen dad this weekend. He dragged us into court frivolously several times which I always won because I had done nothing wrong. Her dad would call my mother and attack me relentlessly. My dad and brother both had to intervene and tell the dad to stop calling and harassing my mom. The office manager where my mom worked for my dad then my brother intercepted his calls but he still managed to get through. During one court case the Judge had to ask for a chair to be brought in for my mother because she was obviously ill, which we found out later she had a heart attack.
After court my mom told me she overheard the dad’s wife tell him, ‘ I guess she will have to learn the hard way. Fast forward a few years and I was served papers at my dialysis job with a restraining order to not contact my child who was in Texas for a visit. After several months of back and forth to Houston for hearings my mother on Christmas Ever had a massive heart attack and passed away. My mom had told me that my girls gave her a reason to live which is another story.
I lost my job in January after my mom’s funeral and having no money left to fight I gave in. It has now been 7 years since I spoke to my daughter. She refuses to speak to me. We just buried my dad in May and she showed up and when I approached her to talk to her she told me DON’T. Wi to all the court ordered counseling meetings and court ordered parental alienation conferences my daughter never gave a reason for her Alienating me, just it had to be this way. I have missed high school dances, high school graduation, college and sorority functions. Her younger sister was so distraught losing her Nana and sister she attempted to take her own life. She now has 2 baby boys and her sister is not in her life. Thanks Rocky. Maybe study parental alienation and open your eyes to who the real person is alienating the other parent. All because I refused to take him back. I always told people he and I might not get along but he is good to Lauren. Look what that got me.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Dancemonkey2
Rocky is a very neat lawyer, I am happy I was recommended to her, she Has helped me through my child Custody, Divorce, and all the issues that are going on, including, family violence, harassing, etc etc. She does great and she handles the cases well, and has gotten everything we have asked for..... I want to thank Her very much because she gave me something I didn't think I would get back after being with my ex and the things that happened, my pride and joy... I would 100% reccomend her to anyone!!!!!!
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23 Jun, 2021 by Diego b
Some time ago Rocky helped me out writing an amazing contract for a business transaction. I recently called for a similar service and got rejected by the receptionist in less than 1 minute. Whoever picked up the phone had the power to decide whether my business was worth it or not. She made an express legal assessment of her own and said, " Sorry, we don't do that, we do family law "
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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.
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.
