Mediation in Family Law Cases During COVID-19

Many family law attorneys would argue that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) formats such as mediation, arbitration and collaboration are more effective than litigation in family law cases. Due to COVID-19, ADR (most often mediation) is the only immediate option available for many. Some family courts are conducting hearings remotely via Zoom, but for the most part they are not able to address non-emergent disputes. As of now, judges are not compelling mediations via Zoom, so attorneys and/or clients have to agree to participate. Users are reporting great results from Zoom mediations, but there are pros and cons to consider.

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Court online dispute resolution now available in Oakland County

The Michigan Supreme Court’s online tool for resolving certain legal disputes has been expanded to Oakland County.

The court’s Office of Dispute Resolution has made the service, MI-Resolve, available in 18 counties so far. The service allows for virtual resolution of disputes that would otherwise be filed as small claims, civil cases or landlord-tenant cases in district court.

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Understanding ‘Collaborative Divorce’

When thinking about divorce, we often equate it with the legal process, divorce court and divorce lawyers. But divorce, is obviously much more than a legal process. Divorce is a multi-dimensional transition which impacts not just the law, but also the family’s finances, emotions and parenting. It is for that reason that in a collaborative divorce, divorcing spouses have at their disposal, and are best served by, other professionals who bring expertise and assistance to the family beyond the lawyers.

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Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center offers online mediation

“Being able to offer people an online means of resolving disputes is especially helpful during this critical time,” said Siham Awada Jaafar, president of WCDRC board of directors. “In keeping with recommendations by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), our staff is working remotely. We’ve currently postponed in-person programs and services until further notice.”

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Casitas pulls out of mediation talks over Ventura River water adjudication

An Ojai Valley water district has pulled out of mediation talks with the city of Ventura and others after months of negotiation over water rights.

Those talks started after the city of Ventura filed a cross-complaint in response to a 2014 lawsuit over its own pumping from the Ventura River. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper had filed the lawsuit, alleging the city of Ventura was taking too much water from the river, hurting habitat for steelhead trout and other wildlife.

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Resolving Medical Malpractice Matters - Positive Outcomes Through Mediation

There are numerous benefits associated with using mediation to resolve medical malpractice disputes. The mediation process affords both parties more control over the process, often reduces the cost of litigation, and can expedite dispute resolution for all. Medical malpractice mediation also presents its challenges. Given the nature of medical malpractice claims, the atmosphere at these hearings can be tense, and negotiations can be emotionally charged. What follows illustrates the importance of understanding the nuances of medical malpractice matters whether one is an advocate or a neutral seeking to assist the parties to reach a settlement.

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