Well I don't. At least not yet.

However, my assistant, Yolanda Rivero, who is one of the most capable and caring people I know, certainly does.

Please feel free to utilize us for bilingual families or parties when one or more persons may not be fluent in English. Although worth her weight in gold to me, we will not charge extra for Yolanda's assistance.

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Legal mediation is a safe, sane, people-friendly process whereby two or more parties involved in a dispute create solutions satisfactory to everyone.

WHAT IS A MEDIATOR?

A legal mediator is an impartial individual experienced in conflict resolution. Her job is to help the participants identify the core issues, facilitate communication, create options mutually agreeable to all. The mediator decides nothing. She is there as a catalyst, confidante, and counselor to all.

WHO USES MEDIATION?

Any dispute qualifies for legal mediation. Mediation is especially helpful when the issues are complex, carry "emotional baggage," or involve ongoing relationships such as family members who will continue to interact throughout their lives.

WHY USE MEDIATION?

Mediation allows the parties to maintain complete control of the crucial decisions that affect them, rather than handing their futures over to opposing attorneys, judges, or arbitrators. Solutions meet the participants' basic needs and sense of fairness. Both parties' legal interests and rights are respected and protected. As an added bonus, participants often learn conflict resolution methods they can use in other areas of their lives. Mediation is very personal and private. It is far less expensive than either litigation or arbitration. Mediation is about WIN/WIN/WIN. Period.

WHAT IS MEDIATION NOT?

Not about guilt or innocence. Not about legal jargon. Not about who started it. Not about the past as much as "where do we go from here" to create a future we can all live with and even feel proud of.

HOW LONG DOES MEDIATION TAKE?

Many disputes are solved in a single session, a few hours long. More complex issues, of course, take longer. All parties participate in each session. The goal of everyone concerned is to resolve the dispute as painlessly and elegantly as possible. No one's goal is to rack up billable hours.

HOW MUCH DOES MEDIATION COST?

This cost is typically shared by the participants. In cases of financial hardship, a sliding scale is available. We all want to solve the same problems.

WHY DO I DO MEDIATION?

I love being a lawyer because I get to help other people with important, sometimes overwhelming, problems. As a bonus, I get paid for it. Helping others is the best part of my job, and those who know me will tell you I repeat my thanks for it every day. Legal mediation is about people, their hearts, and the hearts of their problems. Mediation does not fan the flames of resentment or bitterness. Its sole goal is to resolve conflict and put sorrow to rest. Working closely with others towards a common goal is wonderful way to live a life. A difficult and successful mediation makes my day, my whole week -- then all of us get to sleep better at night.