Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Tucson Mediation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers

Resolve Family Disputes with Tucson Mediation Services

Family law issues, ranging from divorce to parenting plans, as well as probate, estate, and elder law matters, can all lead to disagreements and disputes between the parties involved. Whether over how to agree on a marital settlement in a pending divorce, how to resolve a will contest during probate, or how to solve a conflict over the administration of a trust, these controversies can ultimately lead to time-consuming, expensive, and highly-stressful litigation. However, that can be avoided with skilled dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, arbitration, or parenting coordination.

At Karp & Weiss, we have been providing these alternative methods to our clients for decades. We assist both attorney-represented and self-represented individuals in resolving disputes without ever resorting to litigation at all or ending pending litigation. If you want to find a less painful, simpler, and more accommodating way of solving difficult issues, we urge you to learn more about how we can help by discussing your situation directly with one of our experienced legal team professionals.

Involved in a dead-end family legal dispute? Discover how our Tucson Mediation Services can assist. Schedule a confidential consultation with Karp & Weiss today or call us at (520) 645-8500. Hablamos español.

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family & Probate Matters

When disputes arise between individuals in family-related matters, they can be difficult to settle. Emotions can run high, and differences can seem insurmountable. However, with the help of a trained professional and the willingness to cooperate to avoid the potential for adversarial litigation, you may be able to resolve your issues outside of court hearings.

Both mediation and arbitration can be methods for settling divorce issues, such as those involving parenting and property/financial matters. These methods can also be applied to disputes long after the divorce has been finalized or between unmarried parents or between other family members. Additionally, these methods can also be used in matters where parties involved in elder law, probate, or estate matters are in dispute. While the goal is any dispute resolution is to settle, these processes differ.

"We sincerely appreciate the help and support that was provided to us while resolving Pat's accident."
Lorena M.
"Given your advice and handling of our divorce, [Wife] and I were able to stay friends and will continue to have a relationship in the future (although different)."
Jim B.
"Not only is Ms. Laura Belleau an impressively competent attorney, but she is also a genuinely kind human being."
Kimber I.

Mediation

In mediation, a neutral third party, the mediator, works to help the opposing parties negotiate their way to a mutually agreed upon settlement. The mediator does not take sides but is there to facilitate constructive communication so that the parties can find common ground. Participants in mediation must be willing to cooperate or the process will likely fail. Mediators can provide potential options or make suggestions to the individuals as to how they may work towards an agreement.

Steps taken in mediation generally include:

Establishing ground rules for communication between the parties
Exploring the underlying needs, interests, and concerns of each party
Brainstorming possible solutions
Negotiating toward an agreement
Commitment to any agreed-upon solution or settlement

In mediation, the participants are in control of the settlement that is reached. Mediation is private, and confidential, and puts the participants in control of the decisions regarding the issues they face as opposed to being subjected to the dictates of the court.

Arbitration

Arbitration is like mediation except that the arbitrator is given the authority to render a decision about the issues for the parties. In this regard, he or she takes on the role of a private judge after hearing from both sides.

In some cases, if the parties cannot agree on an issue in mediation, they may agree to have the mediator become an arbitrator whose decision they will accept. Having a family law attorney as the arbitrator ensures that your case will be thoroughly understood in terms of legal standards. Furthermore, if your mediator becomes your arbitrator, the process will proceed much faster than a court trial because the arbitrator will already be completely familiarized with your situation.

Generally, the steps taken in this process include:

Defining the nature of the disagreement
Presentation of evidence from both sides
Evaluation and consideration by the neutral third party (the mediator)
Rendering a verdict based on applicable law

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Karp & Weiss What Makes Us Different

We Provide Representation for a Variety of Areas, Including Family Law, Estate, Probate & Mediation
We Have Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Our Firm Has Three Fellows in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

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