Shuttle Mediation In Washington State Family Law Cases Such As Divorce

Most counties in Washington State require mediation in family law cases such as divorce or the establishment of a parenting plan prior to the case going to trial.  A bill has been introduced in the Washington State legislature, which requires mediation in all divorces involving children, except in certain circumstances.

The typical mediation process involves “shuttle mediation.”  Shuttle mediation is loosely defined as a process wherein each party is in a separate room with his or her attorney.  A paid mediator, typically a retired judge, commissioner or experienced family law attorney, “carries” offers from one side to the other until an agreement is reached.  Should an agreement be reached, the parties (and their attorneys) will sign a binding settlement document called a CR 2A Agreement.

Our lawyers at Beresford Booth have mediated hundreds of cases, most of which settle the matter and end the emotional and expensive litigation process.  Mediating a case not only saves the parties and the family significant attorneys’ fees and costs, but hopefully lessens the acrimony inherent in a contested family law matter.

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