The adversarial nature of court proceedings conveys a message inconsistent with the law’s requirement that litigants—particularly parents in family law matters—maintain relationships and cooperatively co-parent both during and after their involvement in the legal process. If left unchecked, conflict in legal process can destroy the very relationships the law is meant to protect.
Shane approaches mediation as a structured problem-solving process, wherein he assists disputing parties to explore and negotiate voluntary agreements. Shane’s background as a mental health worker and family law attorney gives him a unique perspective when dealing with parties, counsel, and others involved in conflict. Using specialized techniques to manage interactions, Shane deescalates emotion to help parties identify their interests and priorities in the dispute. Once this agenda is set, Shane focuses the parties on objective criteria in their negotiations and efforts to create solutions unique to their situation.
Though seemingly simple, Shane’s systematic and structured approach to mediation has repeatedly resulted in workable settlement agreements. We are confident that it can do the same for you and/or your family law clients.
