I Don’t Know What Mediation Or Arbitration Is …
Let Us Explain
Mediation is a negotiation process. Unlike arbitration, you can leave at any time for any reason. The parties work together in a controlled environment to reach an agreement on all or some of the issues. The mediator will serve an equal and balanced responsibility to assist each mediating party and does not favor the interest of any one party or any particular result.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to an arbitrator who will make a binding decision. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court. Unlike mediation, a party cannot unilaterally withdraw from the arbitration.
Why Choose Mediation Or Arbitration Over Traditional Litigation?
Here are a few big reasons:
- Control: You determine the outcome of your case instead of a judge who does not know you or your family.
- Cost: Trial can be very expensive. This is also an option for people who want to work together to avoid court costs and the costs associated with retraining attorneys, but need the guidance of a mediator.
- Privacy: Keep your private issues private.
- Children: Avoid your children becoming part of a very contentious process.
- Time: Save yourself both time and money and allow us to work with your schedule(s).
What Will I Walk Away With?
Your agreement will be in writing, signed by both parties and binding on both parties.
Mediators:
- Christina Baker, attorney at Baker Law Firm
- Sherry Miller, attorney at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen
- Gregg Illikainen, attorney at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen
- Krista Harvell, apprentice at Baker Law Firm and Carolina Settlement Services
Who We Serve
We serve both pro se (self-represented) individuals who want to attempt to reach a resolution without retaining counsel and parties that are represented by counsel.
What We Offer
We offer both mediation and arbitration services for family law cases.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to an arbitrator who will make a binding decision. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court. Unlike mediation, a party cannot unilaterally withdraw from arbitration.
Mediation is a negotiation process. Unlike arbitration, you can leave at any time for any reason. The parties work together in a controlled environment to reach an agreement on all or some of the issues. The mediator will serve an equal and balanced responsibility to assist each mediating party and does not favor the interest of any one party or any particular result.
Costs
An administrative fee of $150 is due in advance of the services and must be paid to reserve the time.
The neutral will charge a fee of $250 per hour for all time administered for your case, to include the actual mediation or arbitration process as well as preparing any memorandum of intent. The hourly fee is due at the cessation of the arbitration or mediation (personal checks will not be accepted; business checks will be accepted).
All fees will be split equally by the parties.
Who Are Your Neutrals?
Christina E. Baker
- Family law attorney at Baker Law Firm
- Family law and divorce mediator
- Experience in military family law issues, to include military retirement
Sherry Miller
- Family law attorney at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen
- Member of Cumberland County Volunteer Lawyers Program
- Experience in military family law issues, to include military retirement
Gregg Illikainen
- Attorney at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen
- Former serviceman with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Experienced in military law and military legal issues
