When parties to a divorce cannot settle a dispute but do not wish to proceed to an adversarial and costly trial, sometimes they decide to resolve their disagreements with a neutral third party.  This third party can be a mediator or arbitrator.  A mediator works with both parties to try to negotiate an agreement.  An arbitrator, on the other hand, will first try to mediate an agreement, but if parties are at an impasse and no agreement can be reached, the arbitrator will make the decision for the parties.  Before using an arbitrator, both parties agree to give the arbitrator the authority to make decisions that will be binding on the parties.  People often find that mediation and arbitration, forms of what is commonly known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), are a more efficient and civil means of resolving disputes between parties.  Agreements that have been mediated tend to be more successful over time than litigated settlments because both parties have had ample opportunity to express their wishes and feel as if they have had more of a say in the process that resulted in the agreement. 

The attorneys at Balisle & Roberson, S.C. not only frequently participate in mediations and arbitrations as advocates for their clients, but they are also trained in alternative dispute resolution and accept requests to mediate cases from attorneys throughout the state.  Balisle & Roberson, S.C. also offers early neutral evaulation, second opinion consultation, and arbitration services.