Mediation

Most judges in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw and Livingston Counties either suggest or require that the parties participate in mediation prior to trial.   In its simplest terms, mediation is where either the judge or the parties counsel select a qualified, independent, impartial person to act as a mediator (usually a local domestic relations attorney).   The mediator will meet with the parties and their counsel at the mediator’s office to discuss the issues. 

The mediator’s role is not to advocate for one party against the other but rather is to read the parties’ briefs, review any relevant documents/evidence, discuss the case with the parties and their counsel,  to find common ground, to bring the parties together in agreement and to achieve a settlement of the case. 

Accordingly, a successful mediator is one who settles your case.  However, keep in mind that a settlement is voluntary so that both parties and their counsel must agree.  If either party disagrees then the mediation ends and the case will be returned to the judge for further proceedings.