Our Approach as Fort Wayne Family Law Mediation Lawyers

Constructively resolving domestic relations issues

As budget issues and overfilled dockets continue to spike both the cost and time commitment required for divorce and family law litigation, mediation has become an increasingly attractive option. At Shilts & Setlak, LLC, we long ago recognized and promoted the advantages of mediation in divorce and family law. Our team continues to recommend this approach to our clients throughout the Fort Wayne area. While we understand that mediation may not be appropriate in all cases — and we remain prepared to litigate when necessary — we believe it offers many divorcing spouses the most amicable and least stressful way to end their marriage and move on to a new beginning.

What is mediation?

Mediation is essentially a controlled negotiation under the guidance of a trained and registered mediator, such as Perry Shilts or Michael A. Setlak.  A mediator does not decide any issue or force any resolution upon the parties. Instead, over the course of one or more sessions, the mediator facilitates discussion and helps the parties identify the issues they need to resolve, the points important to them, and the areas of common ground they can build upon. If all goes as planned, mediation ends with a written divorce or child custody settlement acceptable to both parties. The mediated settlement agreement is then submitted to the court for approval and adoption. Mediation provides several distinct benefits over traditional litigation:

• Brevity — Mediation minimizes court involvement and allows the parties to work out most of the details on their own schedules. Once the parties have settled issues on their own, a final divorce decree can issue in as little as 60 days.
• Cost — By avoiding the need for motions, multiple court appearances, and competing experts, mediation significantly decreases both court costs and attorney fees for both parties.
• Discretion — Unlike court proceedings, which are public record, what occurs in mediation is strictly confidential and limited to those directly involved in the mediation process.
• Flexibility — Mediation allows the parties to reach a mediated agreement that actually works for them — in stark contrast to litigated resolutions that often leave both parties dissatisfied.

Contact experienced Fort Wayne mediation attorneys

Mediation is a valuable tool that offers advantages in all cases even the most difficult ones. Because our Fort Wayne law firm is committed to helping our clients resolve domestic issues in the most efficient and mutually beneficial way possible, we at Shilts & Setlak, LLC are happy to receive clients who are interested in this pragmatic and dynamic means of dispute resolution. If you are considering divorce or are concerned about a child custody or support conflict and would like to learn more about what mediation has to offer, contact us today.