Greta Hoffman understands the pitfalls involved in lengthy litigation.
As a result, she offers her clients other options in an attempt to help them
resolve their disputes in a more timely, cost-effective, and amicable manner.
One of these options is mediation.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process designed to help both parties resolve
their dispute without the need for lengthy, contentious litigation. A neutral
third party, the mediator, will sit down with both sides in order to facilitate
constructive communication aimed at resolving the dispute in a more harmonious
way. Mediation often results in a settlement agreement that more accurately
reflects the best interests of both parties.
When opting for mediation, you do not need an attorney.
However, if you feel more comfortable having a lawyer present, you may secure
representation. Since the mediator is neutral and objective, she will not offer
legal advice to either party. Her role is simply that of a facilitator. While
mediation is commonly employed in the resolution of a divorce, Ms.
Hoffman can mediate any legal dispute you may have.
Am I a Candidate for Mediation?
Mediation is not for everyone. In order to successfully
mediate a dispute, both parties must be able to communicate openly and honestly
in an attempt to resolve the important issues. In certain divorces, the pain
and emotional scarring may be too great for such communication and conciliation
to be possible.
In general, ideal candidates for mediation:
- Have a desire to work
together to reach an amicable resolution to their dispute
- Wish to remain on good
terms after the dispute
- Understand that compromise
is an important component to this process
- Maintain a high level of
trust with each other throughout the process
Benefits of Mediation
Mediation offers the following benefits over traditional
litigation:
- You retain control over
the important issues in your dispute and do not have to accept the
decision of a judge who does not know you or fully understand your best
interests
- You resolve your dispute
with a greater degree of dignity and mutual respect
- You can save a great deal
of time, money and emotional distress
- The resulting agreement
typically better reflects the best interests of all parties involved
- It facilitates more
harmonious interactions between both parties in the future
Mediation is especially effective in divorces involving
young children. A mediated divorce enables you to better resolve child
custody and parenting issues. Mediation generally preserves a more amicable
relationship between you and your ex-spouse, which will ease your children's
transition at a very traumatic time in their lives. Ultimately, mediation will
most likely result in an agreement that more accurately represents the best
interests of your children.
Ms. Hoffman also offers collaborative law services
for people wishing to resolve their divorce without going to trial.
An Experienced Mediator
Greta Hoffman is highly trained in the field of mediation.
She received certification from the Kentucky Administrative Office of Courts and has four years of mediation experience.
Ms. Hoffman started the mediation section of the Northern Kentucky Bar
Association and is currently its chairperson.
Ms. Hoffman is such a strong proponent of the mediation
process that she has declared every Monday as "Mediation Monday" in her office,
offering her mediation services on a sliding scale fee based on her clients'
ability to pay for her services. Ms. Hoffman has established a set of
guidelines for Mediation Mondays, which she will explain to you at your initial
consultation.
To find out if mediation is the right option for you, please
contact Northern Kentucky mediator Greta Hoffman today to schedule an
appointment. Ms. Hoffman performs mediations in Boone, Campbell, Gallatin,
Grant, and Kenton counties.
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