Civil Solutions
Ending your marriage through mediation and arbitration is cost-effective and confidential.
We are experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Friedman & Mirman Civil Solutions
We were Ohio’s first family law firm to form a division dedicated to alternative dispute resolution, Friedman & Mirman Civil Solutions.
Alternative dispute resolution (Civil Solutions) is a way to end your marriage without ending up in a public courtroom. It can be cost-effective, more private, and there is more control over scheduling.
Our family law attorneys are experts in mediation, evaluative mediation and arbitration.
Mediation
Mediation is when both parties get help from a mediator to reach an agreement without going to trial. The mediator acts as a guide and is a neutral third party.
Once all matters regarding your dispute are resolved, your attorneys will put the agreement in writing, and there will be a brief final hearing. Your agreement then becomes a court order.
Some significant differences between mediation and litigation include:
You will not be expected to testify.
You may choose to not be in the same room as the other party.
The decision is left completely to you and your spouse instead of a judge.
Arbitration
Arbitration is also an alternative dispute resolution method that resembles traditional litigation; yet, it is much more private and can get you to a final result much faster than using the court system.
After all issues are presented by your attorney and your spouse's attorney, an arbitrator makes decisions in your case. The hearings are held in private instead of in a public courtroom. During an arbitration hearing, the parties present evidence to the arbitrator, who will make a binding decision.
Arbitrators can also offer evaluative mediation. This means that the arbitrator deciding your case can give you an informal opinion that can help you avoid going all the way through an arbitration.