Cost Effective
ADR typically costs a fraction of a full court hearing, preserving the asset pool for you and your family.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution services to resolve family law matters outside of court efficiently and cost-effectively.
Resolving Conflict Without the Courtroom
Court should be a last resort. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) puts the power back in your hands, allowing you to craft creative solutions that a judge might not order. At Eliver Family Law, we guide you through mediation and negotiation processes designed to preserve relationships, save money, and reach a conclusion much faster than litigation.
Private & Confidential
Unlike court, which is a matter of public record, what happens in mediation stays in mediation
You Retain Control
A judge imposes a decision on you. In ADR, you do not agree to anything unless you consent to the outcome.
What’s included in our Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation Support
Preparing you for and representing you during formal mediation sessions to ensure you negotiate from a position of strength.
Roundtable Conferences
Facilitating structured meetings between you, your former partner, and your respective lawyers to hash out issues
Arbitration
A private process where an independent arbitrator makes a binding decision, faster than the court system.
Informal Negotiation
Correspondence and offers exchanged between lawyers to settle matters without face-to-face confrontation.
Frequently asked questions
Every family is unique, and so are the questions that arise during times of change. Here are some of the most common concerns people ask when navigating Alternative Dispute Resolution-related legal issues.
Is mediation mandatory?
In most parenting cases, yes. You generally need a “Section 60I Certificate” from a mediator before you can file in court, unless an exemption (like urgency or family violence) applies.
What if we can't agree at mediation?
If mediation fails, you still have the option to continue negotiating or to go to court. Anything said during the mediation is “without prejudice,” meaning it generally cannot be used against you in court.
Do I have to be in the same room as my ex?
No. Most mediations can be done by “shuttle,” where you are in separate rooms (or separate Zoom calls) and the mediator moves between you.