Lauren MacNeill JD, MSW, LCSW

I offer family mediation in the areas of divorce, domestic partnership dissolution, custody/child support/parenting time matters (for unmarried/RDP parents), domestic partnership agreements, post-judgment modification issues, parent-teen, grandparent and third party visitation, and eldercare matters. Mediation is Voluntary and Confidential. The mediator assists people who are in conflict in identifying the issues to be discussed, clarifying common and disparate needs and interests, and in negotiating mutually satisfactory agreements. Unlike the adversarial process (using attorney-assisted negotiation or going to trial), participation in mediation is chosen voluntarily by the parties, who can opt out at any time. Mediation helps parties to a conflict to learn about and consider the options available to them for the resolution of their dispute. Also, mediation communications are protected as confidential under Oregon state law, rather than being part of the public record. For many people, privacy is especially important in family matters. Mediation Saves Time and Money. The average divorce in the United States costs $15,000 according to most sources, and can often go much higher. Because of backlogs in court dockets, a divorce can last up a year or longer before final resolution. Further, parties who remain in high-conflict can return to court again and again for post-decree litigation, adding even more time, expense, and aggravation for themselves and their families. In mediation, where parties are working with each other, rather than against each other, parties often realize significant savings in time and money. Mediation Preserves Relationships between the Parties in Dispute. When people work against each other, advancing only their own individual interests, relationships tend to break down. When people work with one another to reach agreements that are mutually acceptable, relationships improve.