Mediation – Rule 114 Qualified Neutral

How Mediation Works

• Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. What is said in mediation cannot be shared in court, except in very limited circumstances required by law (such as threats of harm).

• As the mediator, I act as a neutral guide — I do not take sides and I do not make decisions for you. Instead, I help both parties communicate more effectively, identify areas of agreement, and work toward mutually acceptable solutions.

• The goal is to create fair, practical agreements that reduce conflict and avoid the stress and cost of litigation.

• Any agreements reached in mediation can be put in writing by the parties. I cannot file agreements with the court on your behalf, but you or your attorney may submit them for approval to make them enforceable.

Areas I Handle in Mediation

I provide mediation for a range of family matters, including:

• Divorce – Assisting couples in creating parenting schedules, addressing property distribution, child support, spousal maintenance, custody, parenting time, and other important family agreements, while supporting constructive communication.

• Post-Divorce Issues – Adjustments to parenting time, school or extracurricular decisions, and other parenting concerns that arise after divorce.

• Custody and Parenting Matters – Solutions regarding custody arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and day-to-day parenting disputes.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation provides families with a constructive path forward by:

• Allowing parents to maintain control over decisions instead of leaving them solely to the court.

• Resolving conflicts more quickly and cost-effectively than litigation.

• Reducing stress on children by encouraging cooperative problem-solving.

• Creating personalized, durable agreements that reflect the family’s unique needs.

Parenting Time Expeditor

What a PTE Does

• Clarifies and enforces parenting time orders when there is confusion or conflict.

• Helps resolve disputes between parents regarding schedules, holidays, vacations, or make-up parenting time.

• Issues written decisions if parents cannot reach an agreement. These decisions are binding unless overturned by the court.

• Keeps the focus on children’s best interests while helping parents follow their existing court orders.

Limitations of a PTE

• A PTE can only address parenting time issues.

• A PTE cannot decide custody or child support matters.

• The scope of a PTE is limited to what is allowed under Minnesota law and the court’s order.

Why Choose a PTE?

• Provides a timely and cost-effective solution for parenting time disputes.

• Reduces conflict by keeping children out of parental disagreements.

• Ensures that court-ordered parenting time schedules are followed and clarified when needed.

Parenting Consultant

What a PC Does

Common issues addressed by the Parenting Consulting process include:

• Parenting time schedules and/or trades

• Holiday allocations

• Vacation requests

• Special events

• Parental communication

• Parent–child communication

• Extracurricular activities

• Decisions about therapy and/or healthcare for children

• School placement

• Discipline

• Daycare

• Religious education

• And more, as defined by the court order or agreement

Parenting Consultants can:

• Interpret, clarify, and oversee compliance with existing court orders

• Create protocols when needed

• Assess whether changes in circumstances warrant modifying prior orders or protocols

• Impose consequences for non-compliance with court orders

Why Families Use a PC

The Parenting Consulting process is designed to be an alternative to litigation and ongoing court involvement. Using a Parenting Consultant typically results in:

• Faster resolution of disputes

• Reduced costs compared to litigation

• Less stress on children by minimizing parental conflict

• Clearer, more consistent parenting expectations

Parents should review their order to understand what matters the PC can and cannot decide.

Fees & Policies

Hourly Rate

• All services (Mediation, Parenting Consultant, and Parenting Time Expeditor) are billed at $150 per hour.

• Time is billed in 0.1-hour increments and includes:

  • Meetings (via Zoom)

  • Phone calls and emails

  • Preparation and review of documents

  • Drafting of agreements or written decisions

Deposits & Prepayment

• Parenting Time Expeditor (PTE) and Parenting Consultant (PC): A deposit is required before services begin. Deposits are applied to hourly fees as they are accrued. When the deposit balance is low, clients will be asked to replenish funds.

• Mediation: A 3-hour block must be paid in advance of the scheduled session. Additional time beyond three hours will be billed at the hourly rate.

Cancellations & Scheduling

• If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 10 days’ notice.

• Cancellations or changes made with less than 10 days’ notice may still be billed, unless otherwise determined at my discretion.

Important Notes

• I maintain neutrality in all services and do not provide legal advice.

• If legal questions arise, you may be referred to consulting with an attorney.

• Fees may be divided between parents according to court order or mutual agreement.