WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a voluntary process which allows both of you to maintain control over your destiny and the terms of your divorce settlement. Both parties and attorneys attend either a four-hour or eight-hour mediation, depending on the complexity of your case.
IS THE MEDIATOR A LAWYER?
Although some mediators are social workers, most commonly the mediator is a lawyer who acts as a neutral person to help you settle your case.
HOW IS THE MEDIATOR CHOSEN?
The mediator is chosen and agreed upon by the attorneys. Every Family Law attorney has a "short list" of competent mediators who specialize in family law with whom we are familiar, whose style we are comfortable with, and who we have found to be effective, particularly considering the individual aspects of your specific case.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MEDIATOR?
The role of the mediator is to facilitate an agreement between the parties to prevent the necessity for a trial.
CAN WHAT I SAY BE USED AGAINST ME LATER?
Everything said during mediation is confidential. The mediator cannot be made to testify in court if a settlement is not reached. The mediator will only report one of two things: "settlement": or "no settlement".
Further, you and I will advise the mediator what we do or do not want shared with your spouse and your spouse’s attorney!
HOW DOES THIS WORK EXACTLY?
Procedurally, you and I will remain in one room, while your spouse and his or her attorney stays in a separate room. The mediator travels from room to room conveying each side’s offer and/or counteroffer.
Sometimes, the parties mediate by all being in the same room together. This is common if your mediation is taking place at a county dispute resolution center.
HOW TO SCHEDULE A MEDIATION WITH MARILYN GALE VILYUS?
- Call 281-550-6650 to receive several possible dates within the time frame needed.
- If the parties have attorneys, the attorneys will check their schedules to confirm a mediation date.
- If the parties who wish to mediate are not represented by attorneys, they should consult with each other to choose the date that is most convenient from the dates provided by our office.
- Ms. Vilyus will provide an "Agreement to Mediate" to both sides for signature and return to us prior to mediation along with payment in the amount of $200 per party.
- Ms. Vilyus accepts payments in cash, credit card, attorney checks, cashier's checks, or money orders.
- Each party should forward a copy of its pleading to our office in advance of the mediation date.
- In addition, each party or attorney may wish to provide a summary of its position, including but not limited defining the issues in the case.
- If no law suit has yet been filed, this summary is essential.
- Any areas in which an agreement has already been reached should be detailed.
Ms. Vilyus is available for both half day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours) mediations.
Ms. Vilyus is dedicated to maximizing the quality of time spent in the mediation process. Providing her with information above, allows Ms. Vilyus to come to every mediation already educated and informed about the concerns of the parties.