Finding Alternatives To Resolve Disputes: Collaborative Law And Mediation
When parties can work together to resolve their differences, they are more likely to reach a solution that is best for everyone involved. As a mediator, I help resolve the issues between two parties in their divorce by encouraging them to be open-minded, flexible and potentially willing to compromise. As a mediation attorney, I represent my clients’ interests at their own mediation.
I am attorney Zach Kretchmer, and I founded Kretchmer Family Law, PLLC, in St. Louis Park to assist clients in and around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities with their divorce through alternative dispute resolution methods. I represent people in mediation and serve as a mediator. I’m a resource for attorneys and couples seeking to resolve their family law differences in an amicable, personable fashion.
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation is the process of bringing your dispute before a neutral third party who reviews both sides and offers a solution. If both sides agree, then the mediation is successful. In general, people appreciate mediation for several reasons:
- Privacy: Discussions in mediation are kept confidential and out of the public record.
- Efficiency: In a dispute, time is often a major factor, and you can usually get to a mediator before a court date is scheduled.
- Flexibility: A mediator’s one job is to build an agreement both sides can work with, and they are often able to use novel solutions to get there.
- Amicability: Mediation is less formal and less rigid, and is about building a solution rather than finding a winner.
In mediation, the parties are not required to have their own attorneys. Most couples in a divorce attempt mediation as part of their divorce proceedings and have their own representation.
Serving As A Neutral Third Party
In addition to serving as a mediator, I also serve as an arbitrator for divorce cases. In arbitration, both parties agree to use an arbitrator to resolve their disputes. Minnesota courts sometimes employ Early Case Management (ECM) to attempt to resolve disputed issues. I am also available to provide Early Neutral Evaluations (ENE) for financial or custody and parenting time issues.
Parenting Consultant And Parenting Time Expediter
Sometimes, when spouses are navigating a contentious divorce, they need extra assistance coordinating parenting time. I also facilitate parenting time between parties and make binding decisions as a parenting consultant and parenting time expediter.
Consult A Mediation Attorney Today
Whether you are working without an attorney and looking for a mediator or parenting consultant, or looking for an attorney to represent you at a mediation, I can help. To find out more about my firm and legal services, contact my office at 612-887-3997 or send me an email using my online form.