Best Mediation lawyers in Yakima, WA

2 Mediation Lawyers in Yakima, WA

experienced lawyers

Catherine R. Lighty

402 E. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA

Family Law Mediation +2

3.3/5

3.3

3 Reviews

15 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous

We have hired Cathy Lighty twice for child support modifications, we have been very pleased each time with her services. She is straight to the point and gets things done ASAP

07 Oct, 2015 by Victor

I had my divorce back in 2009. Catherine did help ( or should I say Shannon since I never really had any contact with Catherine). I already had the child support thing figured out and the amount i had to pay was already done. So what does my own attorney go and do?? She, for some reason that i still dont understand, re-did the papers up and said that I had to pay more! I told her its already done and filed in court why would I want to pay more?! Basically i was paying her to do research on how I could pay more on a case that was already one sided with the state of course favoring women in most cases. It was a very frustrating time and she did not make it any easier. She did not have any good thoughts or good info that would help me in my case ( parenting plan). The day that we were in court and everything was settled and i did not get the outcome I was looking for she gave some half ass comment about why the judge should consider it again. I guess that kind of summs up the whole experience: "half ass" everything. I was young and inexperienced as far as a divorce goes and I dont feel like she took just a bit of time to let me know the possibilities of what we we're doing. Shannon was her assistant and she was actually very helpfull. I think she is no longer there, hopefully on to bigger and better things. The only positive thing that Catherine did for me is cut me a break on my retainer. Probably felt guilty for taking my money and not doing much with my case. Im not out to "trash" anybody. Im sure if Catherine wanted to, she probably could've done a good job but she lacked effort. So I'm writting this review just to let people know to please pay close attention to the attorney they hire and make sure that they are attentive and have your well being and your family's well being in mind.

27 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous

The initial estimate for our case was far lower than the actual costs. We had to call her office many times to find out the status of our case. We did not feel as though she was OUR advocate, as much as she was a "fellow" lawyer with opposing counsel.

David Paul Hazel

4001 Summitview Ave Ste 5, Yakima, WA

Mediation +1

3.2/5

3.2

9 Reviews

29 Sep, 2023 by Sarah

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the mediation services David Hazel provided our family which led to the resolution of my father's estate. Dave's professionalism, expertise, and commitment to fostering understanding among all parties involved was vital in achieving resolve we all were hoping for. Upon my first interaction, not only was I impressed with his firm knowledge of Washington estate law, but also how well he understood the intricacies within our unique family dynamic and what led to our subsequent stalemate. His attention to detail instilled confidence in me that we were in capable hands. In addition to his knowledge base, what really sets Dave apart is his genuine caring and empathetic approach for the people he’s working with. He took the time to listen to our concerns, fears, and hopes, providing a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue. He then skillfully facilitated conversations, helping us navigate complex and emotionally charged issues we weren’t able to handle on our own. I truly believe it was his patient and compassionate demeanor that made it easier for all parties to lower our walls and ultimately find our way to resolution. Dave made every effort to ensure all voices were heard and respected. Throughout the process, it was reassuring for me to witness his ability to remain neutral, maintain positive focus of the end goal, and offer out of the box solutions to our case’s particular challenges. For these reasons, I can absolutely say that Dave Hazel was instrumental in accomplishing resolution that worked for everyone. This outcome would have been nearly impossible without his guidance and support. If you're looking for a mediator who goes above and beyond, Dave is the one to trust.

10 Sep, 2023 by Lyndsey

I recently had the privilege of working with Dave Hazel from David Hazel Mediation, and I must say, it was an eye-opening experience. It is my hope that this review underscores the significance of mediation and its impact on resolving complex issues. My situation revolved around a highly intricate matter concerning my late father's estate. His passing triggered a series of unfortunate events, characterized by a severe lack of communication and trust among the involved parties. This situation led to a protracted probate process, consuming a significant portion of my life. It was clear that a resolution was desperately needed. Turning to David Hazel Mediation for assistance was a pivotal decision. From the moment I engaged Dave's services, I was struck by his unwavering professionalism and commitment to achieving a fair and equitable outcome. Dave's mastery of mediation techniques and his profound understanding of the probate judicial system proved to be indispensable. David Hazel Mediation not only excels in providing mediation services but also champions innovation and creative problem-solving. Dave navigated the complex legal landscape of my case with remarkable precision and unwavering dedication. What truly set him apart was his ability to identify unique and effective solutions, which proved instrumental in moving the dispute towards resolution. In my pursuit of honoring my father's final wishes, Dave and David Hazel Mediation emerged as invaluable allies. Dave's expertise and his strategic approach to the resolution process played a pivotal role in facilitating communication and cooperation among the involved parties. Recognizing the damaged relationships between the co-personal representatives and the beneficiaries, Dave wisely understood that a harmonious reconciliation was unlikely. As a result, he implemented a swift resolution process, ensuring that we received our rightful inheritance promptly. This decisive action brought closure to a prolonged and emotionally taxing chapter. I want to express my profound gratitude to David Hazel Mediation for his steadfast support and unparalleled expertise during this trying period in my life. Dave embodies a ray of hope for individuals grappling with complex legal disputes, and his commitment to finding innovative solutions is truly commendable. If you ever find yourself entangled in a similar situation, I wholeheartedly endorse David Hazel's mediation services. In conclusion, my experience with Dave Hazel and David Hazel Mediation demonstrated the transformative power of mediation in even the most intricate and emotionally charged legal matters. Dave's guidance and expertise were instrumental in achieving a resolution that allowed me to honor my father's memory and move forward with a sense of closure and relief.

06 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous

David was amazing with our mediation. He helped calm all parties and did his homework as to the issues involved. He gave great advice and we were able to get the case closed without going to court. Thanks, David.

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FAQs

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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.