What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process for resolving disputes where a mediator helps conflicting parties to jointly resolve their concerns and develop a written agreement that can be upheld in a court of law. Most cases can be resolved at a fraction of the cost of litigation. Elaine Y. Garcia is a court-approved mediator and has the authority to mediate court-mandated cases, commercial, B2B, personal injury, private, family law, and divorce cases.

Mediation is not an arena where rights and wrongs are determined or where a judge determines your fate. Mediation is an alternative to court where the parties can develop a mutually acceptable agreement they can live with. 

By choice of the parties, the mediation can occur in-person or remotely, in a conference, or individually. It is not necessary to meet face-to-face with the opposing party. If you opt to resolve your dispute through the court system, you place the risk of a final judgment that you may not agree with. Your fate lies in the hands of a judge that may classify your case among the countless other cases heard each year, not taking into consideration the unique details of your situation. 

Do I Need An Attorney?
Not all disputes require the assistance of an attorney. Many cases are handled Pro Se (for oneself or on one's own behalf) with a mediator. In mediation, there is no requirement to have an attorney, saving you money in the long run. We can handle cases that have been ordered to mediation by a judge. We can also mediate cases where one or both parties are represented by attorneys.

Will Mediation Work for My Issue?
While there are no guarantees, mediation is an alternative to resolving disputes in court or doing nothing at all. The parties develop a mediated settlement agreement that works for both parties. Issues are brought to the table and discussed, and topics of dispute are then negotiated. Each party has the opportunity to discuss their issue(s) and his/her desired outcome. The final outcome is a mediated settlement agreement which is a legal document, upheld in court.

Will we settle our dispute?
Not all disputes are settled. But in the mediation process, your dispute has a greater chance of being resolved and the agreement is kept because the parties have developed the outcome.

Divorce & Divorce Prevention
Allow us to step in and assist you in resolving the issues that are keeping you from enjoying life and marriage with your partner. If one or more parties prefer to seek a dissolution of the marriage, I have developed a system designed to remove the fear and confusion of the divorce process and instead foster a sense of collaboration. Family Disputes Family matters are serious. I understand the sensitivity and delicate nature of family disputes that can have a long-lasting effect on your family environment. I will help you discover the roadblocks to communication and harmony within the family dynamic.

​ Parenting Plans
When developing a parenting plan, the best interest of the child is the priority. Coordinating a parenting plan with both parents is ideal but not always possible. We can assist you in creating a parenting plan that is legally binding and can be submitted to the court. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a short time.