Gallatin Mediation Lawyer

Mediation Attorney in Gallatin, TN

Litigation for civil disputes and family law cases can be expensive, slow, and stressful. A Gallatin mediation lawyer can offer you an alternative to traditional litigation. Mediation encourages communication and negotiation, while you still retain control over the outcome.

With hundreds of mediation cases successfully settled, the Rule 31-listed mediators at Phillips | Ralston can help you resolve disputes and find a solution through discussion.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative way to resolve a dispute. Through this process, individuals can settle disagreements alongside a mediator. In Tennessee, Rule 31 offers mediation as an alternate way to resolve civil disputes. As opposed to litigation, mediation is an informal process. Instead of a judge deciding the outcome of an issue in the Sumner County Chancery Court, a mediator facilitates discussion but does not have control over the solution.

A mediator is a third-party individual whose role is to guide both parties toward an agreement. A knowledgeable mediation lawyer can suggest and explain possible solutions but remains impartial in the dispute. A mediator can also encourage collaboration and negotiation over a solution. You can hire a Rule 31 mediator for a private dispute or within 15 days of the date of an Order of Reference.

In Tennessee, over 6,500 cases used mediation as an alternative to litigation in 2019. Because mediation laws leave the process to you and the other party in the dispute, mediation is more flexible and personalized to your situation.

Why Hire a Mediation Lawyer?

Choosing to resolve a dispute with a mediation lawyer can bring you the results you want. All issues are resolved in over 65% of mediation cases. They also provide benefits such as:

• Cost effectiveness. By avoiding lengthy court proceedings, the legal fees to hire a mediation lawyer are often significantly lower.
• Swift resolution. Unlike litigation, which requires scheduling around court schedules, mediation is quicker to schedule. It can often be settled in a couple of mediation sessions. These sessions usually take one day to a few weeks to reach an agreement.
• Control. Instead of a judge imposing a solution for a dispute, with mediation, you can control the resolution. With the guidance of a mediation lawyer, you could also explore more creative solutions, which would not be possible with litigation.
• Reduce stress. While you are in a dispute, going to court and navigating complex legal issues is stress-inducing. In mediation, your mediator will cultivate an environment where you can express your concerns. That way, you can feel confident and in control of the resolution.
• Preserving relationships. Disputes that require mediation lawyers often occur between community members or family members. Mediation is built on a foundation of collaboration and communication. This lets people come together to find a solution rather than feeling divided after traditional court proceedings.

The Types of Cases Mediation Can Resolve

Mediation lawyers handle a wide variety of civil disputes. Frequently, people use mediation to resolve domestic issues and divorces, as a mediator can guide both parties through their significant life changes. A mediator may suggest or explain different solutions, helping individuals settle issues such as:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony
• Property and asset division
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

A Gallatin mediation lawyer can also address many other forms of civil disputes, including:

• Landlord and tenant conflicts
• Employer and employee disputes
• Personal injury cases
• Contract issues
• Cases involving juveniles
• Neighbor conflicts
• Property disputes
• Other civil matters

The Role of an Attorney During Mediation

While having an attorney present to represent you during mediation is not necessary, it can be a good idea for many people. A mediator can suggest outcomes and explain legal processes, but they do so in a way that is neutral to the dispute. Most crucially, they cannot offer you legal advice.

Having your own attorney to explain how potential outcomes impact you can be vital. They can advise you on what would be most beneficial for your situation. That way, you can know if a solution is satisfactory to you. Your attorney can then review the final agreement to make sure you are comfortable agreeing to it.

FAQs

What Is Rule 31 Mediation in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, Rule 31 mediation is an informal process where a mediator facilitates discussion between two disputing parties. The mediator helps them reach a settlement without needing to use the formal litigation process. This must be managed by a Rule 31 mediator. They are trained to assist individuals in finding a mutually agreeable solution while staying impartial.

Are Mediation Cases Confidential?

Yes, mediation cases are confidential. A Gallatin mediation attorney does report your attendance at a mediation session. If an agreement was reached, they do not share what occurred or what was said in the session. Mediation is a good alternative to litigation because, unlike litigation, mediation is private and confidential.

What Happens If We Don’t Reach an Agreement During Mediation?

Failing to come to an agreement is common in legal cases. However, if an agreement does not happen during mediation, the mediator will report to the court that your case did not settle. You may reattempt mediation or take your case to trial. If you do decide to pursue litigation, anything said during mediation or to your mediation lawyer will remain confidential.

Does My Mediator Need to Be a Rule 31-Listed Mediator?

Yes, in Tennessee, Rule 31 dictates that only a mediator who is officially listed by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts can conduct a Rule 31 mediation. A Rule 31-listed mediator is necessary, regardless of whether the mediation is court-ordered or a private dispute that does not involve the courts.

Phillips | Ralston Mediators Can Guide You Toward a Solution

We know that, when faced with a legal dispute, complicated and impersonal court proceedings do not make it easy. Our Rule 31-listed Gallatin mediation attorneys can help you get the results you want. Contact us today to learn how a mediator can guide you through your dispute with collaboration, discussion, and empathy.