As part of my counseling practice I have referred a number of clients to Out of Court Solutions over the past several years, and without exception, I have received positive reports regarding their effectiveness and professionalism.
Thomas M. Mitchell, Ph.D., C.P.C.
| Paternity Mediation: Frequently Asked Questions |
Out-of-Court Solutions provides parents with a highly effective and inexpensive method for reaching sensible and durable paternity agreements. With their backgrounds in law and psychology, our mediators are uniquely qualified to guide couples through the sometimes complex and emotionally engaging legal, financial, and other issues related to their child.
Parents work together with a professional mediator to define and discuss all the legal, financial and relational aspects of paying the cost of and co-parenting their child in a collaborative environment in which they openly and honestly discuss their respective concerns, expectations, and responsibilities. What is the Situational™ approach to mediation? Originated by Oliver Ross, JD*, PhD, the founder of Out-of-Court Solutions, the Situational™ approach to mediation is an advanced method of mediation that has proven highly effective in resolving disputes quickly, caringly and inexpensively, and preserving relationships. The Situational™ approach requires that the mediator adapt the mediation process to conform to each particular situation and the personalities involved. It also requires that the mediator assure that everyone is heard, makes fully informed decisions, and enters into sensible and durable agreements. With each of our mediators being experienced in law and psychology, and certified in the Situational approach to mediation, paternity mediation with Out-of-Court Solutions is very different than using lawyers – which often increases tension and cost. Our mediators foster effective communication, offer diverse alternatives for resolution of issues, and provide legal, financial and tax information. We ensure that parents make fully informed decisions about each and every aspect of a paternity, including monetary support for their child, legal custody, time-sharing arrangements on weekends, weekdays, holidays, and vacations. When all decisions have been made, your mediator will prepare a legally binding Mediated Paternity Agreement. How much does paternity mediation cost? Mediation is inexpensive compared to using two separate attorneys. Most lawyers require a retainer of at least $3,000 to $6,000 – just to get started! In other words, to hire separate lawyers you will have to come up with between $6,000 and $12,000. With Out-of-Court Solutions our mediation fees usually total between $1,500 and $2,500 – for everything! Furthermore, we do not require a retainer and payment is on a pay-as-you-go basis. To get an estimate of our fees and costs for mediating you situation, please arrange for a free consultation. Most parents reach full agreement within one or two 2-hour mediation sessions, and receive a draft of their Mediated Paternity Agreement within the next couple of weeks. What if we already agree on lots of issues? These agreements often serve as a foundation for resolution of other issues and overall agreement. They are likely to expedite the mediation and further reduce the cost. What if I want an independent attorney’s help? At any stage of mediation and/or before signing the paternity agreement, one or both parents can choose to consult with an independent attorney if they want additional information, support or advice. In fact, our mediators uniformly provide couples with a list of attorneys who are expert in family matters, do not charge a retainer fee, and in mediation function as consultants rather than combatants. With Out-of-Court Solutions, use of an independent attorney is an option, not a requirement. What if I don’t know as much or am not as assertive as the other parent? Part of the mediator’s job is to even out any differences in education, background, and experience. Another part is to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect in which any threats, intimidation, verbal aggressive, and the like are prohibited. Who prepares the court documents? We prepare and file on your behalf all of the legal documents required by the Superior Court to establish paternity, child support, and other parenting rights and obligations. Our clients need never set foot in court. What if I want an independent attorney’s help? At any stage of mediation and/or before signing the settlement agreement, you can choose to consult with an independent attorney if you want additional information, support or advice. Your mediator will provide you with a list of attorneys who are expert in divorce matters, do not charge a retainer fee, and in mediation function as consultants rather than combatants. With Out-of-Court Solutions®, use of an independent attorney is an option, not a requirement. What if I don’t know as much or am not as assertive as my spouse? Part of the mediator’s job is to even out any differences in education, background, and experience. Another part is to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect in which any threats, intimidation, verbal aggressive, and the like are prohibited. Who prepares the court documents? We prepare and file on your behalf all of the legal documents required by the Superior Court to obtain a decree of dissolution of marriage (i.e., divorce). You need never set foot in court. What are the chances for success? We are very proud of our success rate: over 95% of the parents who mediate with Out-of-Court Solutions reach full agreement and those that do not are protected because under Arizona law anything said or prepared for mediation is strictly confidential and barred from use in court. How do I get other questions answered? Arrange for a complimentary consultation by calling Out-of-Court Solutions at |