What would you think of a mediation service whereby:
1) the information is gathered and discussed at the mediation settlement conference;
2) preliminary offers and counter-offers are developed and written up,
3) and then they are reviewed by a panel of up to three retired judges, court commissioners, or attorneys with more than 20 years’ experience, who each get paid a flat fee to issue a memorandum decision that is sent out to both of the parties to help them decide whether they should settle or go to trial?
If the memos were divergent, then you’d have a pretty good idea that this is an issue that could go various ways at trial. If the memos were more or less in alignment, then you’d have a pretty good idea what to expect at trial, and you could settle with confidence. How long would you expect a mediation like this to last? How long would you expect to wait for the expert panelist’s memo? How much would you expect to pay for the mediation portion? How much would you pay each retired judge to review your 10-page position paper and issue an opinion back? Is this a good idea, in your opinion? Would you want to change anything about it to make it better, or better for you? Let us know, please. Things can get better if you are part of the solution.
Utah Family Law, LC | 801-466-9277