Legal disputes can be resolved in a more cooperative way if there is a commitment to full disclosure and a respect for each party's future needs.
This cooperative approach relies on the commitment of both parties to resolve issues through agreement rather than adversarial proceedings whenever possible. It depends largely on the attorneys on each side and whether they will agree to work cooperatively and efficiently toward a result. Attorneys working cooperatively can agree to share information voluntarily, jointly hire experts, work towards mutually agreeable negotiated solutions and engage the services of a mediator to work through any impasse. This approach does not rule out the use of court action but it emphasizes use of mutually agreed solutions over court interventions.
Mediation
Mediators are neutral professionals who help parties reach an agreement. The mediator does not represent either party and cannot give either party advice. Parties may be represented by attorneys during the mediation or they may work with the mediator and then have proposals or agreements reviewed by an attorney. It is always wise to meet with an attorney before going unrepresented to mediation.
Law Offices of Carol D. Betts, P.S.
Family Law Legal Services
Cooperative Processes
425.635.7737
846 108th Ave NE, Ste 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
The traditional method for solving legal disputes is a win-lose approach in which each party does their best to make the other party look bad in an effort to advance the position of one party at the expense of the other. This is generally a financially and emotionally costly process.
