ADR: A Different Approach
There is more than one way to get a divorce or settle a family law dispute. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) helps parties resolve family law issues without the cost and expense associated with courtroom litigation.
At the Law Offices of Stephen J. Bedor, we offer a full range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques, including:
Mediation: Couples work together with a trained mediator to resolve divorce and family law issues, including child custody, child support, spousal support and division of property. The mediator does not decide the issue, but works to build consensus between the two parties. If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation, the case can go to arbitration or to court. Attorney Stephen J. Bedor prepares clients thoroughly for meeting with the mediator.
Collaborative law: This approach expands on the concept of divorce mediation by asking participants to commit to resolving disputes through negotiation and compromise, not litigation. Each party is represented by a trained, collaborative law attorney who cannot represent the client should he or she decides to take the case to court. Other professionals, including mediators and financial advisors, can be consulted to help resolve issues. If either side decides to go to court, they must find new attorneys.
Arbitration: If the two parties cannot agree on issues such as division of marital assets, the court can order the case to arbitration or the couple can elect to go to arbitration. In some counties child support can be decided by arbitration, but child custody and parenting time issues are typically mediated, not arbitrated. An arbitrator, not a judge, hears arguments from both sides and decides the outcome. Arbitration can be faster and less expensive than courtroom litigation.
Whether you are interested in divorce mediation, arbitration, collaborative law or courtroom litigation, you can depend on us for quality representation and personal service.
To speak to a lawyer about the options for resolving your family law issues, please call (503) 699-0402 or e-mail the Law Offices of Stephen J. Bedor. From our office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, we represent clients throughout the Portland area.
