Mediation Services
Collaboration & Resolution
At Lee Ohlmann Law, we appreciate that not every issue belongs in a courtroom. In the family law context, mediation offers families a more private, respectful, and cost-effective way to resolve sensitive matters such as divorce, child custody, parenting time, and property division. Through guided, solution-focused conversations, mediation empowers both parties to actively participate in crafting agreements that reflect their unique needs and priorities—without the stress and expense of litigation.
More broadly, including in the realm of civil claims, Lee Ohlmann Law are enthusiastic about serving as mediators for nuanced legal and factual issues. As a neutral third party, our trained mediators facilitate open communication and helps identify common ground, all while ensuring that the process remains balanced and productive. Whether you are seeking to avoid court entirely or need help resolving specific issues before a proceeding, we provide a calm, structured environment where resolution is possible. At Lee Ohlmann Law, we are committed to finding clarity, reducing conflict, and helping you move forward with confidence.
Please contact Managing Partner, Nicky Blumm, to learn about how our firm can serve as a mediator in your matter or serve as your attorney in a pending mediation.
Mediation FAQ's
What is divorce mediation in Oregon?
Divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral mediator helps spouses— or parents involved in a custody dispute— work toward a voluntary agreement.
Unlike a judge, a mediator does not decide the case and cannot force either party to accept a particular outcome. Instead, the mediator facilitates discussion, helps clarify areas of disagreement, identifies potential solutions, and assists the parties in reaching an agreement that both can accept.
The mediator's role is to guide the conversation rather than take sides. If an agreement is reached, the parties' attorneys or the parties themselves prepare the necessary legal documents for submission to the court. Once approved by the court, those agreements generally become legally binding.
If mediation does not resolve all of the issues, the remaining disputes can still be decided by a judge.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediation is confidential. The discussions that occur during mediation generally cannot be used later in court if negotiations fail.
Do I need a lawyer if I use mediation?
No. You are not required to have a lawyer to participate in family-law mediation in Oregon. The mediator is neutral and cannot provide either party with individual legal advice.
A lawyer can explain your rights, help you prepare, evaluate proposed terms, and review the agreement before it becomes binding. Legal advice is particularly valuable when the case involves significant assets, support, complicated custody issues, domestic violence, or a major imbalance in bargaining power.
What happens if mediation fails?
If an agreement cannot be reached, either party retains the right to ask the court to decide the unresolved issues.
