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[GRAPHIC: Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP Divorce with Respect. www.divorcewithrespect.com (866) 860-2447 4740 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, California 95819]
HAL BARTHOLOMEW: I started mediating in 1979 when I discovered mediation as a concept at a conference. Since then I've done over 2,000 mediations. I've worked with couples to resolve the differences they have in their relationship.
If parties are considering a divorce, they should seek intervention and assistance of a professional as soon as possible so they can understand what their rights are, and more importantly to make the decision of which process to choose, whether it's mediation, collaborative or traditional litigation. In divorce mediation, I meet with a couple and I act as their neutral facilitator to help them resolve the issues.
Most people don't know that the court system is public, so their court file is open to anyone in California. In mediation it's a private situation, it's confidential and only the final agreement is available to the public.
Mediation is also the least expensive method of alternative dispute resolution because it's face-to-face with only a mediator as a neutral facilitator.
When the parties reach an agreement, they've reached an agreement through communication with each other. That has tremendous benefit for the future because if problems come up, they don't go back to the court system, they come back to see me.
As a family law attorney, I've been on both sides of case. So when we talk about issues, I can talk with each party about why is it good for them, why is it bad for them and so they then can make a more educated decision.
[GRAPHIC: Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP Divorce with Respect. www.divorcewithrespect.com (866) 860-2447 4740 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, California 95819]
* The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
