Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation, explain the mediation process, and help you determine whether mediation is the right approach. There is no obligation, and everything discussed is confidential.

Our fees depend on the complexity of the dispute and the number of sessions required. We discuss fees during the initial consultation so you have a clear picture before committing. Mediation is significantly less expensive than litigation in virtually all cases — often by an order of magnitude.

Yes. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is private. Both parties sign a confidentiality agreement at the outset, and nothing discussed during mediation can be used in subsequent legal proceedings. The mediator does not report on the substance of your discussions to anyone.

When mediation concludes successfully, we produce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — a plain-language document that captures everything the parties have agreed to. The MOU itself is not a court order or legal contract, but it serves as the authoritative record of your agreement and the foundation for formal legal documents. For family and divorce matters, an attorney uses the MOU to draft a Marital Settlement Agreement or Parenting Plan, which is then submitted to the court and entered as a binding decree. For business disputes, it becomes the basis for a settlement agreement or contract amendment. If you don't already have legal representation, we can refer you to attorneys who offer affordable, limited-scope drafting services — so you get a properly binding document without the cost of full legal representation.

This varies significantly by case. Some disputes resolve in a single session; others require three to six sessions spread over a few weeks. Complex business or divorce matters may take longer. We will give you an honest assessment after your initial consultation.

Yes. You are welcome to have an attorney present, and we recommend that each party have an attorney available to review any agreement before signing. Some parties prefer to consult with counsel between sessions rather than having attorneys present throughout.

Mediation is voluntary. If you are unable to reach agreement, you remain free to pursue other options, including litigation. Nothing said during mediation can be used against you in court. Many parties find that even without a full agreement, mediation narrows the issues significantly, making any subsequent legal process faster and less costly.

In court, a judge decides the outcome. In mediation, you and the other party decide. Court proceedings are public record; mediation is private. Litigation typically takes months or years and costs significantly more. Mediation can preserve a working relationship; adversarial litigation rarely does.

Yes. We offer both in-person mediation at our St. Louis office and virtual sessions via secure video conference. Many clients find that virtual mediation is equally effective and more convenient, particularly for multi-session cases.

Lawyer-mediators bring legal knowledge and familiarity with how courts resolve disputes. Clinical social workers bring something different: training in human psychology, communication, and emotional regulation that is especially valuable in emotionally charged disputes. We help parties understand what is driving the conflict beneath the surface — and that understanding is often the key to reaching a durable agreement. Our team also includes a mediator with a law degree, giving us both perspectives.

Mediation requires both parties to participate voluntarily and in good faith. It may not be appropriate where there is a significant power imbalance, a history of domestic violence, or where one party is acting in bad faith. We assess these factors during our initial consultation and will be honest with you about whether mediation is likely to be productive for your situation.