Business Details
About
Arbitration & MediationDivorce Service
Divorce Mediation Associates, LTD offers trusted and fair divorce mediation and conflict resolution services to clients in Reston, VA. We also work with couples across the United States and internationally.
Location
Divorce Mediation Associates, LTD
11702 Bowman Green Dr, Reston, VA
20190, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.6
9 reviews
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- LMLinda MooreJun 17, 20225.0Divorce is so hard and each family has unique circumstances. Steve and Patrice bring so much professional (and life) experience to the table! They are able to create an environment to work through even the most complex and emotionally charged situations. They help each couple find their own answers and offer options based on YOUR priorities. They will capture the solutions you choose in a clear written agreement that you can be at peace about. You will know experts helped you in a thorough, fair, caring process.
- MMMarkFeb 27, 20202.0Not too smooth of an experience. Steve can sometimes stir more trouble than attempt to solve. Patrice is great and more neutral.
- MAMonica (AquaDust16)Nov 12, 20175.0Dr. Garver has a strong passion for her field of clinical psychology. She has had many years of experience working with kids, adolescents and adults. She demonstrates a great work ethic and she has a warm and friendly personality. I highly recommend her!
- JMJulie MayfieldJul 21, 20175.0I have known Dr Patrice Garver in a professional capacity for over 15 years. We have collaborated on numerous cases together and frequently refer children, adolescents and families to each other. She is my number one choice when seeking a referral for an evaluation or assessment on a complex situation with a child or adolescent. Her reports are thorough, well written and extremely useful for clinicians and parents in developing treatment goals and strategies. Dr. Garver is an excellent clinician with an innate ability to evaluate the needs of families she works with and is insightful in developing appropriate interventions that are relevant to her clients. She has had extensive training in treating children and teens who struggle with loss, trauma and divorce and is highly respected in the mental health community in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Her ethical foundation and follow through are excellent and she is a team player who sets high standards for herself. She is one of the most accomplished professionals I have ever known and her passion and devotion to this field of work is obvious and apparent to anyone who has the opportunity to work with her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation Associates, LTD
How is mediation different than litigation?
Mediation is a collaborative process where parties work together to find mutually agreeable solutions, unlike litigation which is adversarial and takes place in court. In mediation, parties communicate directly to identify common interests and reach settlements outside of court. Litigation involves minimal direct communication between parties, with attorneys representing their positions in a courtroom setting.
What if we have concerns about paying for the mediation?
Mediation is typically more cost-effective than traditional legal representation or litigation for divorce settlements. Our fees are lower than collaborative divorce alternatives, and we use a pay-as-you-go system, eliminating the need for retainers. We offer reduced fees for clients with low income and net worth. Eligibility for these reduced rates can be assessed at the end of your initial consultation.
What if we can't communicate, don't get along and seem to not agree on anything?
Our experience includes working with couples who have experienced severe communication breakdowns, including those who haven't had a civil conversation in years. While better relationships can facilitate the process, our integrative mediation model is designed to improve communication between partners who struggle to interact. We create an environment that encourages each partner to express themselves and understand the other, shifting the focus from adversarial positions to collaborative problem-solving.
What are the advantages of family mediation?
Family mediation offers several benefits, primarily by reducing conflict between parties. This approach often leads to improved post-divorce relationships and better co-parenting. The process typically resolves issues more quickly than litigation, minimizing the impact on children. Additionally, mediation enhances communication between parties and provides them with conflict resolution skills that can be applied to future disagreements.
Is family mediation cheaper than using lawyers to handle a divorce?
Family mediation is generally more cost-effective than a lawyer-driven contentious divorce. It allows spouses to find common ground on various legal issues, including custody arrangements, child support, property division, and spousal support. This can transform a contested divorce into an uncontested one, where the agreement is simply presented to a judge for approval. Mediation often avoids multiple fees associated with litigation, such as attorney fees, discovery costs, expert witness fees, and guardian ad litem fees.
When is divorce mediation not appropriate?
Divorce mediation may not be suitable in cases involving domestic violence, when one party is actively concealing information, or when there's a significant power imbalance between the parties. For mediation to be effective, both parties should be able to participate fully in the process without fear or coercion, and on relatively equal footing.
What if my partner or ex-partner is completely irrational or unmovable?
Even when one party initially appears inflexible or irrational, a skilled mediator can often make progress. We provide relevant information, such as legal standards, recent court decisions, and potential consequences of failing to reach an agreement, which can encourage reconsideration. If direct interaction is challenging, we can separate the parties and act as an intermediary, facilitating communication between them until an agreement is reached.
If i already have a lawyer, is it too late to mediate my case?
It's never too late to engage in mediation. The process can be initiated at any stage of a legal dispute. Many clients choose to bring their lawyers to mediation sessions to ensure they fully understand their rights and the implications of any agreements made during the process. This approach can be particularly beneficial in complex cases. We encourage you to contact divorce mediation associates, ltd to explore your options.
What if we cannot agree on all issues?
Partial agreements can still be valuable outcomes of mediation. Even if you don't resolve every issue, agreeing on key points can significantly simplify your case. Many clients find that they're able to settle their remaining differences shortly after mediation, having realized the benefits of maintaining control over their case rather than leaving decisions to a judge. At minimum, mediation often narrows the scope of contested issues, focusing subsequent efforts more efficiently.
Will i be left with a legally binding agreement in divorce mediation?
A mediated agreement typically has the status of a binding contract. However, most clients choose to submit their agreement to the family court for incorporation into an official court order. This step ensures that if either party violates the terms of the agreement, the other can seek enforcement through the court system.
How does mediation differ from litigation in resolving divorce disputes?
Mediation is a collaborative process aimed at reaching an amicable solution, while litigation is adversarial with limited communication between parties.
What are the cost considerations when choosing mediation for divorce?
Mediation is generally far less expensive than traditional lawyer representation or Collaborative Divorce alternatives, with pay-as-you-go fees and possible reduced fees for qualifying low income clients.
Can Divorce Mediation Associates help couples who have trouble communicating?
Yes, their integrative mediation model enhances communication, providing a voice for each partner and fostering understanding even when parties have not communicated civilly for years.
What are the advantages of choosing family mediation for divorce issues?
Family mediation minimizes conflict, often leads to better co-parenting, resolves problems faster, and improves communication for future dispute resolution.
Is divorce mediation cheaper than litigation involving lawyers?
Yes, mediation is typically less expensive compared to the costs associated with contested divorces, including attorney fees and additional litigation expenses.
When is divorce mediation not appropriate?
Mediation is not suitable in cases involving domestic violence, unequal power dynamics, or when a party is hiding information or exerting control over the other.
Can I mediate my divorce case if I already have a lawyer?
Yes, mediation can be used at any stage and many clients bring their lawyers to ensure their rights are protected during mediation.
Where is Divorce Mediation Associates, LTD located?
They are located at 11702 Bowman Green Dr, Reston, VA 20190, USA.
What nearby places can I visit when attending a session at Divorce Mediation Associates in Reston?
Nearby places include John Chung Institute Tae Kwon Do, Marriage Counseling Alternative, and Pathways to Health, LLC, which can offer educational, counseling, and wellness services that might complement your mediation journey.
Are there any legal or financial services near Divorce Mediation Associates that clients might find useful?
Yes, nearby legal services like Boyle, Garver Law Offices, and Zell Law, as well as financial advising from T.M. Wealth Management, are available to assist clients with related legal and financial needs.
What recreational or wellness facilities are near Divorce Mediation Associates in Reston?
Clients can visit Shiraz Fitness for gym services, Reston Healing Center for chiropractic and holistic care, or enjoy parks like Accotink Park for relaxation before or after their mediation sessions.