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15 Dec, 2023 by Elizabeth
Law Office of RKS are a premier Family Law Attorneys in Southern California. They handle all Family Law Practices. The team is a service-oriented group that will handle all your needs. The Law Office of RKS can get you the outcome you deserve.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Kelby
I highly recommend Mr. Stitch to anyone needing a family law attorney in the greater Los Angeles area. He is an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer and will strive to obtain whatever results you need in your situation. I wish I would have known about Mr. Stitch when I went through my first family law case. Don’t try it alone – get a guy that knows what he is doing in your corner.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Tamarra
Ron is a very competent divorce lawyer. He has top-notch trial experience and his fees are very reasonable.
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04 Feb, 2017 by Geneva
I am very thankful to have Mr. Matisoff as my attorney. My divorce was challenging as it not only impacted us the adults, it also involved my son who was nine at the time. The first time I met him for my consultation, I knew he was the best attorney anyone could have. His focus was my son's best interest, which is the most important thing to me as a mother. He is very knowledgeable, experience attorney with integrity. The most important thing that is hard to come by for a lot of people, is that he CARES. I am forever grateful and thankful to have Mr. Matisoff as my attorney. With this tough experience in life, I gained hope from him that life would be good in the long run.
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12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Look, divorce is not a pleasant thing to have to deal with, but the last thing you need is an attorney that you have to wonder about. Upon my first meeting with Ed, I instantly knew I was in great hands. His knowledge of the legal system in California regarding divorce proceedings is exemplary, and he instilled confidence and peace of mind at a time when I really needed it. The things that impressed me the most about Ed were his quick response to my seemingly endless questions and the fact that his pricing was extremely reasonable; this is not a guy who will try to gouge you or take advantage of your emotional state. To the contrary, his wise counsel was a source of relief and peace of mind, and he got everything squared away with a livable support agreement in what I consider to be record time. I also consider him to be a true friend now. If you need your situation handled efficiently and cost effectively, find his number and make that call right now. You'll be glad you did... :)
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05 Mar, 2015 by Dbc
Mr. Matisoff agreed to take over my divorce case a few months ago. He sees discrepancies and knows what actions need to be taken immediately. At my first consultation, I told him I was looking for an attorney with integrity that would assist with a fair settlement for me and my kids in a high conflict divorce. I did not want to have to worry about questioning what I was being told or be left out of the conversation. He told me to meet with my then attorney first to see if a resolution could be found with the current support issue and try to get back on the same page with that attorney. I did as Mr. Matisoff suggested and realized I got more clarity from a brief phone conversation with Mr. Matisoff than I had in a 2 hour face-to-face with my then attorney. My experience with Mr. Matisoff thus far has been unlike that with my former attorneys. I received my monthly invoice today and I am shocked that his billing is more than reasonable. Had I started with Mr. Matisoff, my divorce would have been final long ago, less money would have been wasted and some peace might have been preserved. I don't know that mediation would have ever been possible with my spouse, but I don't think things would have dragged on or gotten out of control. Highly recommended.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
As much as I appreciated Lisa's expert legal insights and her ability to communicate those well, her office operations and paralegal support was lacking in my case. I had numerous paralegals, which caused confusion and delays. Then Lisa was suddenly unavailable (for personal reasons, I think, which can happen), and my case was handed off to a more junior attorney who did not know me, was not especially good at giving support, and who spent a lot of time collaborating with a financial expert that the firm hired to help strategize in some grey areas regarding what was community property vs. my ex's separate property. They had a legal strategy that fell on its face when it was presented to the mediating judge, and this junior attorney had no plan B... throughout the rest of the mediation they gave no help in legal strategy or negotiating advice, but left me to make all the decisions on my own. I ended up with far less than I had been led to expect, and my legal and financial consulting bills were huge. Lisa never reached out to me personally to explain her absence, and when I shared that I was disappointed in how things ended up, she was sadly very defensive of the junior attorney and took no responsibility other than to waive a few minor fees on the final invoice. I think Lisa is talented, but not sure she's good at managing a team. The office seems to have a history of turnover.
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28 Dec, 2014 by Ben
I approached the Zonder Law Firm to help assist me with a custody and child support issue. I decided to go with them due to their success rate with settling these delicate matters outside of court in a respectful, and amicable way. During my time from start to finish with my case, my attorney Matt Jewitt was very informative, understanding and handled my case with tact and respect with both myself and the other party involved. If ever i had any questions regarding my case, Matt put my mind at ease and made sure I was happy with the outcome. If you are looking for a law firm to help handle this type of delicate situation in your life, then I would highly suggest them.
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03 Dec, 2013 by Ericka
I highly recommend Lisa and her wonderful assistant Sharon to get you through one of the most difficult times in your life. Lisa is efficient and trustworthy. She means what she says, and says what she means, in a clear and understandable voice. Lisa is very attentive to her clients and is almost always available to answer any question no matter how insignificant you may feel it is. If Lisa is not available then Sharon is. Sharon is very knowledgable and understanding. Both women are extremely professional, at the same time bringing warmth and caring to the difficult process of divorce. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to Lisa and her staff.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
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22 Jul, 2024 by Monique garcia
Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help
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27 Apr, 2024 by Bill e brock
Sara Fazio was an excellent choice for my business contract dispute. She grasped the issues promptly, explained the options thoroughly, demonstrated integrity with billing and worked diligently to reduce unnecessary costs. There were never any communication concerns. I highly recommend Ms. Fazio.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
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22 Jul, 2024 by Monique garcia
Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help
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27 Apr, 2024 by Bill e brock
Sara Fazio was an excellent choice for my business contract dispute. She grasped the issues promptly, explained the options thoroughly, demonstrated integrity with billing and worked diligently to reduce unnecessary costs. There were never any communication concerns. I highly recommend Ms. Fazio.
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FAQs
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:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. 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.

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