Helping clients make informed decisions...

If you decide to informally settle your Seattle divorce case, determine a parenting plan, or resolve other family law issues without going to court, you could save thousands of dollars and hours of your time, but you still need sound advice from an experienced attorney. If your case is suitable, you may want to use a "coaching" model, where your attorney is available to explain and clarify issues along the way. This is an inexpensive, hands-on, personal approach that can work if both parties are able to advocate for themselves, listen to each other, and come to rational agreement. Your lawyer is available to answer questions, write up the settlement in legal language, clarify any complexities, and arrange for a court appearance to finalize your divorce or custody agreement.

Often the way is not as smooth as either party would like, but you can still avoid the hassle of taking your case to court.

At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, we always consider mediation before going to trial.

The attorneys at Molly B. Kenny strive to handle every case as quickly and effectively as possible, and mediation is an excellent tool for resolving many conflicts. Most of our divorce cases settle in mediation because we are able to prepare and educate our clients about their options and facilitate productive communication with the other party.

 

Located on Mercer Island and serving the Greater Seattle, Washington Area, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny can guide you through the mediation process.

What are the benefits of mediation?

• Fewer financial costs: court dates and schedules can require you to pay fees for many more hours than you would pay to be represented in mediation.
• Reduced emotional strain: a divorce or custody trial can be stressful and emotional for your entire family. The one-on-one mediation process reduces those stresses, especially if you have children.
• Parties are able to come to an agreement of their own free will rather than have a decision forced upon them by a judge. 
• The model of communication established during the mediation process can set the precedent for an amicable parting and a smooth future relationship.

"Why can't we take our divorce case directly to a mediator?"

A mediator does not represent you. As an impartial party, the mediator is under no obligation to support your side of an argument, to explain the different sides of an issue, or to help you explore the options available to you. You may sign a settlement agreement only to discover later that you had more and better options. If you go into mediation without an attorney, you may later need to hire a lawyer to challenge the original settlement. Hiring an experienced attorney to support and represent you throughout the process can save time and money down the road.

 

We help our clients to win their battles, but we also advise you to choose those battles wisely.

Mediation is not appropriate for every case. Both parties and their representative must approach the mediation process with respect and with a willingness to listen and make informed decisions. Circumstances of a divorce, parenting plan, or custody issue may preclude mediation as an option. 

• If the financial situation is complex or if there are large numbers involved
• If the issue involves drugs, alcohol, or domestic violence
• If any party or lawyer is unable or unwilling to approach the process with respect
• If any party or lawyer feels the need to create conflict rather than resolve it

 

If your best option is taking your case to trial, your attorney will be ready with the personal information and legal strategy to protect your interests.

At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, our goal is to help you through this process with respect and dignity, and our hope is that you leave our offices in a better state of mind when the process is over.

Communication is the key to our success and to yours.

If you are considering divorce or need a lawyer to represent you in mediation...

Please call the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at (206) 381-0100 or fill out the online contact form.

The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are located on Mercer Island and serve the Greater Seattle, Washington Area including:

 

King County: Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Kent, Tukwila. Snoqualmie Falls, North Bend.  Snohomish County: Bothell, Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Woodway, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Snohomish, Monroe.

---

Blog for Mediation

• Divorce Mediation Won’t Work Without Full Disclosure
• July: A Focus On Washington State Divorce Mediation

---

Library for Mediation:

• Four Reasons Divorce Mediation Might Not Be For You   
  Description: While mediation is a smart decision for a number of Washington State couples seeking separation and divorce, it is not the best choice for certain people. Learn about four major reasons to choose traditional litigation over mediation: substance abuse issues, domestic violence issues, a partner that doesn't want to respect the process, and couples with especially complex finances.
• The Three Major Steps Of The Divorce Mediation Process   
  Description: Not many people are familiar with the divorce mediation process in Washington State. In this article, we break down the process into three major steps: the initial consultation, the actual mediation sessions, and the divorce agreement.
• Divorce Mediation Could Be Better For And Easier On Your Children   
  Description: Divorce mediation may be more than an easier and less stressful way to settle a divorce in Washington State - it could also help your children through the process and your relationship with your children after the divorce. Learn more about how divorce mediation can help couples with children.
• Four Common Divorce Mediation Myths   
  Description: Divorce mediation is a advantageous option for many couples who are planning to separate, but many people have mistaken thoughts and feelings about divorce mediation and the mediation process. In the article below, we disprove four different common myths some people believe about Washington State divorce mediation.
• Religious Differences Complicate The Washington Divorce Mediation Process   
  Description: Divorce mediation help you and your spouse come to a fair agreement regarding child custody and child visitation in Seattle and Washington State. It can also help you discuss sensitive subjects, such as how a child will be raised in regards to their parents' religion and cultural preferences.
• Six Ways Mediation May Be The Right Choice For Your Washington State Divorce   
  Description: Mediation can have a number of advantages over a court divorce - and for a variety of different reasons. Read more about how your Washington State divorce could be made easier and more emotionally manageable with a mediation attorney.
• What Can You Expect From the Mediation Process?   
  Description: While television often paints the picture of contentious divorces and arguing spouses in court, divorce does not have to be that way. Many couples in Washington State seeking a divorce choose to use a mediator and work out the details of their split with the help of their lawyers and an knowledgeable dispute resolution expert.

View All

---

Frequent Questions for Mediation:

• Is Mediation Only For Couples Going Through An Amicable Divorce?
  
• Can Mediation Make My Divorce Less Expensive?
  
• Do I Need A Lawyer For Washington Divorce Mediation?