☰ MENU

Divorce Mediation in Lake Oswego & Portland, Oregon

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is the center of my work because it allows families to make thoughtful, durable decisions without the stress or cost of litigation. Mediation is a voluntary, respectful process that helps both sides reach a mutually acceptable settlement. As your mediator, I guide the conversation around the decisions that need to be made, help you gather and organize the information required, clarify your interests, and support you in exploring options that fit your needs.

We work together in a series of meetings to identify your priorities, understand the benefits and drawbacks of different choices, and move toward durable agreements that support your family’s long-term well-being.

Depending on your situation and the complexity of your case, other professionals — such as financial planners, resilience coaches, child specialists, or attorneys — may be brought into the process to provide guidance and help you make informed decisions.

When Mediation Is a Good Fit

Mediation is especially helpful when:

  • You want a respectful, non-adversarial approach
  • You want to avoid unnecessary conflict, cost, or legal battles
  • You want a voice in every decision
  • You want to protect your children from conflict
  • You want the freedom to choose solutions tailored to your family
  • You want control over the pace and structure of the process

Key Qualities of the Mediation Process

Voluntary

You can leave mediation at any time, for any reason, or for no reason. Mediation only works when both parties want to be there.

Collaborative

You are encouraged to work together to reach the agreement that feels most fair and workable for your family.

Controlled

You maintain full decision-making power. Nothing can be imposed on you, and every provision of the final agreement is made by mutual consent.

Confidential

Mediation is private, with very limited exceptions. The discussions and materials created during mediation cannot be used in court (unless both parties agree otherwise). Your mediator will explain the rare situations in which confidentiality may be limited.

Informed

Mediation gives you the opportunity to obtain legal and other professional guidance as needed. You retain decision-making authority at all times. Mediators may encourage clients to obtain independent legal advice before signing any agreement involving legal rights or responsibilities.

Impartial, Neutral, Balanced, and Safe

Your mediator has the responsibility to support both participants equally and to avoid favoring one person over the other. My role is to help you reach agreements voluntarily, thoughtfully, and without coercion, intimidation, or pressure of any kind.

 

How Mediation Supports Families

  • Reduces conflict and emotional strain
  • Helps couples focus on long-term goals rather than short-term reactions
  • Encourages respectful communication
  • Supports healthier co-parenting
  • Reduces legal costs and uncertainty
  • Promotes clarity in financial decisions
  • Creates stronger, more durable agreements

Next Steps

If you’re unsure whether mediation is right for you, I offer a free one-hour consultation to walk you through the process and answer your questions.

Call 503-867-1763
or
Contact Me →