W hat I s M ediation ?
And How to Know If It’s Right for You
As Michael mentioned in the cover article, two-thirds of family law cases are settled in mediation. This alternative form of dispute resolution has many advantages, including that both parties in the case can cooperate to make decisions that are tailored to their unique situation. By contrast, when cases go to trial, a judge has the decision-making power. What kinds of cases benefit from mediation? Mediation can be an effective tool to help resolve divorce cases; determine child support, child custody terms, and visitation schedules; work out alimony; and determine how assets and property will be divided. Because each family and situation is different, mediating these aspects of your case allows you to create the custody arrangements and visitation schedules that work for you. It puts you in control of determining how to divide your property, debts, and assets. How is mediation different from going to trial? Mediation tends to be a less formal and more relaxed experience than going to court. It is also less expensive and usually faster than going to trial. Mediation requires more participation from the involved parties. While divorce and other family matters can be emotionally charged or contentious, the third-party mediator is there to help smooth the process of communication. This allows each party to express themselves while still working toward a productive solution. All conversations that occur during mediation are kept confidential. Do I still need a lawyer? It’s still a good idea to hire an experienced family law attorney to help you prepare your case for mediation, inform you of your rights, and help you understand the possible outcomes. Here at The Manely Firm, our attorneys realize that mediation is a critical tool to resolve family law disputes. We invest just as much time and effort into preparing cases for mediation as we do for trial. We get to know you and the facts of your case so we can help you get the outcome you seek from mediation. Our own Attorney Denethris Barnes serves as a Board Member for the The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire in Savannah, Georgia. Denethris feels passionately about the way the Center is able to help families reach resolutions to their family law issues in ways that best suit their individual needs.
“L ive in the sunshine . S wim in the sea . D rink in the wild air .” —R alph W aldo E merson
E asy Z ucchini E nchiladas
Inspired by Delish.com
This healthy summer dish is the perfect way to use up extra zucchini!
I ngredients
If you’d like to learn more about how mediation can benefit your case, visit our website at AllFamilyLaw.com.
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 1/3 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 large zucchini, sliced very thin lengthwise and dried
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
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2 cups shredded cheese Sour cream and cilantro, for garnish
Salt, to taste
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
D irections
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring for 5 minutes. 2. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, then add chicken and 1 cup enchilada sauce. Stir to combine. 3. On a cutting board, lay out three slices of zucchini side by side. Top each with a scoop of chicken mixture, then roll into a tube. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices. 4. Add the rolls to a baking dish. 5. Top the rolls with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with garnishes!
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