Mediation vs. Collaborative Law

Here is a brief description of these types of dispute resolution.

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediation offers parties the ability to resolve their dispute on their own terms. Mr. Gregory has served as a mediator since 1995. He has mediated domestic relations matters, including child custody and child support, employment matters for the EEOC and the Social Security Administration, securities matters, and cases filed in federal court. Steven Gregory is one of only a few securities lawyers and mediators in the United States with a background as a registered representative as well as lengthy and extensive service as a FINRA securities arbitrator.

Traditionally, mediation has occurred in person, in attorney’s conference rooms or the mediator’s offices or another neutral location. Sometimes, the conflict may be so intense that meeting your adversary in the same space may not be possible, or the parties may be geographically distant. If one of these situations applies to you, you should consider online or virtual mediation. Mr. Gregory is able to mediate via telephone or by Skype or other teleconference services no matter where parties may be located.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law or Collaborative Practice is a voluntary dispute resolution process in which parties settle without resort to litigation. The intention is to resolve disputes in a low-conflict environment and to avoid the uncertain outcome of court. In this manner, settlements can be crafted that best meet the specific needs of both parties (and their children, in domestic relations matters) without the underlying threat of litigation.

Collaborative law is somewhat similar to mediation, in that it requires voluntary disclosure and results in an agreement created by the parties. But there is no mediator, and the attorneys representing the parties are both usually present during negotiations, assisting the parties in working on crafting their own agreement.

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