Mediation
A path to compromise
Springfield, MO Mediation
We now offer Mediation services by F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers trained mediator in addition to our traditional legal representation.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process by which parties to a divorce action agree to meet with a third party who is usually a lawyer and trained Mediator. This may be done with or without the assistance of counsel. We frequently engage in Attorney-Assisted Mediation sessions.
In a Mediation session, you and your spouse, and frequently the lawyers, will sit down with the Mediator who is advised of the of your case and the issues involved. You will then engage in a process in which you attempt to resolve the issues that exist in the divorce case. These issues may include property and debt division, payment of maintenance, child custody and implementation of provisions for a parenting plan, determining what child support should be, and making decisions regarding the payment of attorney fees.
Mediation is frequently held over several days as the parties move through the various issues involved in the case. Sometimes, the mediated settlement can happen in one day, but that would be the exception and not the rule.
We have found Mediation to be very effective in cases, even if we don't resolve the entire case, in that, we usually resolve some issues such as personal property division or other issues that can then be taken off the table in the event there is a trial later. Reducing the Court time if the case has to go to trial, by agreeing to certain matters prior to trial in Mediation, is usually a significant economic benefit to the parties.
One of the other advantages of Mediation is that, as a general proposition, we have noticed that people who have input into those decisions affecting the division of their property and debts, payment of maintenance, provisions regarding child custody and contact, the provisions regarding child support, and the provisions regarding attorney fees, usually are happier with the result in the long-run than people who have the Court decide the issues and order them to do certain things based on the Court's judgment.
The cost for Mediation is usually split by the parties who are attending.
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt
Awards and Honors
2022 Recipient of The Missouri Bar Association's Roger P. Krumm Family Law Practitioner of the Year Award.
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt Named Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers.
Named the Best Lawyers in America 2014 Springfield, MO Family Law "Lawyer of the Year".
Listed In Best Lawyers In America.
Listed In Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers.
About Van Pelt Law
F. Richard "Rick" and Kay Van Pelt
When you are in the middle of life’s toughest challenges, you need advice that comes from experience. With over 70 years of combined experience, you can rely on F. Richard "Rick" and Kay Van Pelt to guide you in achieving the results you desire.
Van Pelt & Van Pelt has received a Top Tier 1 rating from Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" for Family Law. We proudly serve the Springfield, Ozark, and Nixa communities.
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Family Law for nineteen years straight, and selected as 1 of 100 Diplomates of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers in the U.S., F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt brings an unprecedented amount of knowledge and experience to settlements, mediation, and in the courtroom, on your behalf. More importantly, he dedicates time to understand every aspect of your situation. His tenacity, compassion, intuition, and work ethic will serve you in achieving your best outcome in your Dissolution of Marriage, legal separation, or modification case.
Kay Van Pelt is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, has been recognized as a Missouri / Kansas Super Lawyer, and has a nationwide network of professional contacts and resources to help you achieve success in your adoption journey. With hundreds of successful cases completed, Kay has the knowledge and experience to anticipate problems before they arise so you can achieve a secure adoptive placement.
The best advice comes from the best experience. Quite simply, Rick and Kay Van Pelt have worked their entire careers to be able to offer you exactly that.
Contact Our Office
For Your Adoption or Divorce