NOW: Ask us about our virtual mediation option.
About Us
Specializing in:
Civil Cases We help people settle small claims issues such as landlord/tenant, personal injury, workplace dispute, basically anything where a party is seeking monetary compensation. The courts encourage mediation of disputes in civil cases for three reasons: the court system doesn’t have the resources to have a trial in every civil case; often the parties reach a better result in mediation; and people are often more satisfied with a mediated resolution vs litigation.
Family Mediation We help people resolve disagreements about marriage, separation, divorce, parenting schedules, child support, alimony, property division, elder care, the family’s budget, distribution of inherited property, family business succession, and other family matters.
Divorce Mediation A non-adversarial way to divorce with dignity, respect, and a focus on the future instead of the past. Divorce mediation results in agreements that help you move forward and lead to a more successful co-parenting relationship.
Post-Divorce Mediation PDM is effective in resolving conflicts including child custody, visitation and child support. Other important issues such as school, friends, church, extracurricular activities, holiday schedules, and health concerns can all be mediated. And mediation can be used to modify spousal support, custody, visitation, and child support.
Resolutions You Can Understand
We know that legal action can sometimes be overwhelming. We are dedicated to providing you help in language that you can understand. If you don't feel like you understand your options, just ask, and we will work to find an explanation that works for you.
Why Mediation?
First is that mediation takes only a fraction of the time that litigation does. While a divorce taking place in the courtroom can drag on for several months, mediation can take as few as one or two sessions to finalize a divorce. This could mean that a divorce is finalized much quicker, although parties will still have to wait out the 90-day waiting period Oklahoma requires from the date of filing if there are minor children, or 10-day waiting period if there are no minor children.
Another big benefit to mediation is the fact that it’s much more affordable than a litigated divorce. While the average cost of a divorce in Oklahoma is $18,700, mediation can cost as little as $1,500 to $3,000. This is the total for the entire process, and most couples choose to split the cost, reducing it even further for each side.
When to Mediate?
Mediation is usually a voluntary process, although sometimes statutes, rules, or court orders may require participation in mediation. Mediation is common in small claims courts, housing courts, family courts, and some criminal court programs and neighborhood justice centers.
Unlike the litigation process, where a neutral third party (usually a judge) imposes a decision over the matter, the parties and their mediator ordinarily control the mediation process -- deciding when and where the mediation takes place, who will be present, how the mediation will be paid for, and how the mediator will interact with the parties.
A Focus on Results
The first step is for us to work with you and come up with a plan to get the results you need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success.
Get Started Today
Don't wait! Contact us for a free phone consultation. Let us help you figure out what your best next steps are. The sooner you have a plan of action, the better your chances of taking the correct steps to get the results you want.
Ph:(405) 406-2020
email: zwatts.adr@gmail.com
Our Mission
Here to help you move forward by reaching a settlement through fair negotiations.
Virtual Mediation
Welcome! Ask about our virtual sessions due to Covid19!