Traditional litigation isn’t the only option for addressing a divorce or other Pennsylvania family law matters. At Shay, Santee & Kelhart LLC, we offer a practical alternative through our Bethlehem family law mediation services, which we provide throughout Northampton County and Lehigh County. Mediation is when parties seek to reach an effective agreement on legal issues by having a third party facilitate discussions.

Understanding The Family Law Mediation Process

Mediation involves several steps, including:

  • Selecting a mediator: Choose who will facilitate discussions
  • Initial consultation: Meet with the mediator to work out the specifics
  • Preparing for sessions: Gather relevant documents and make appropriate financial disclosures
  • Attending sessions: Engage in guided discussions to try to reach an agreement
  • If an agreement is reached: Take steps to get court approval of the agreement to put its terms into effect
  • If no agreement is reached: Explore other options for resolving the matter

Our experienced family law lawyers/mediators can answer any questions you have about this process and guide you through it.

Mediation Vs. Traditional Divorce Litigation

There are many major differences between divorce mediation and divorce litigation. These include that:

  • Litigation is adversarial, while mediation is focused on reaching agreements
  • Litigation is a public process, while mediation is private
  • Litigation is governed by a range of procedural rules, while mediation is more flexible
  • The judge will generally have the final say in divorce litigation, while mediation is a voluntary process that lets parties stay in control

Because of these differences, mediation can have the potential to be a faster, less expensive and more attractive way to resolve divorce issues. However, mediation isn’t appropriate for all situations. Our skilled attorneys stand ready to help you determine if it is right for your family law case.

Take The Next Step

Learn more about our family law and divorce mediation services. Contact us at 610-691-7000 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.

Family Law Mediation Services

Traditional litigation isn’t the only option for addressing a divorce or other Pennsylvania family law matters. At Shay, Santee & Kelhart LLC, we offer a practical alternative through our Bethlehem family law mediation services, which we provide throughout Northampton County and Lehigh County. Mediation is when parties seek to reach an effective agreement on legal issues by having a third party facilitate discussions.

Understanding The Family Law Mediation Process

Mediation involves several steps, including:

  • Selecting a mediator: Choose who will facilitate discussions
  • Initial consultation: Meet with the mediator to work out the specifics
  • Preparing for sessions: Gather relevant documents and make appropriate financial disclosures
  • Attending sessions: Engage in guided discussions to try to reach an agreement
  • If an agreement is reached: Take steps to get court approval of the agreement to put its terms into effect
  • If no agreement is reached: Explore other options for resolving the matter

Our experienced family law lawyers/mediators can answer any questions you have about this process and guide you through it.

Mediation Vs. Traditional Divorce Litigation

There are many major differences between divorce mediation and divorce litigation. These include that:

  • Litigation is adversarial, while mediation is focused on reaching agreements
  • Litigation is a public process, while mediation is private
  • Litigation is governed by a range of procedural rules, while mediation is more flexible
  • The judge will generally have the final say in divorce litigation, while mediation is a voluntary process that lets parties stay in control

Because of these differences, mediation can have the potential to be a faster, less expensive and more attractive way to resolve divorce issues. However, mediation isn’t appropriate for all situations. Our skilled attorneys stand ready to help you determine if it is right for your family law case.

Take The Next Step

Learn more about our family law and divorce mediation services. Contact us at 610-691-7000 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.