Mediator

Heidi Risser can serve as a mediator for parties in a divorce, or wrestling with the other issues that surround divorce. The mediation process is different from the collaborative law process because the mediator cannot provide legal advice.  The mediator is a neutral between the parties.  Mediation is an option for resolving legal disputes without handing control of the outcome over to the court. Mediation can address many types of disputes and offers a wide variety of benefits.  Mediation is scheduled by the parties and is private.  When the parties go to court, the court tells the parties when to appear, and all matters heard are public and recorded.

Mediation brings the parties involved in a dispute together to explore their various options for a resolution. The mediation process allows both sides to make offers to each other without worrying that those offers could be used against them later in a court proceeding.  In this way, it gives the parties wide latitude to discuss the issues freely and explore possible resolutions without the pressure of a court proceeding and to do so in private.

Mediation tends to be less stressful, can take less time and usually is less expensive than going to court. The foundation of mediation is built on better communication, which is assisted by a skilled mediator. The mediator assists the parties to communicate what is necessary to communicate and helps each side to truly hear the other person. The mediator also can ask probing questions and come up with settlement ideas. Both parties are encouraged to compromise, but neither party is forced to settle. A settlement only comes about if both parties agree to it.  Participation is voluntary for both parties unless they are ordered by the court to attend mediation.

Heidi Risser became a DRC Certified Family Financial Mediator in November 2014. From 2016 to 2018, she served on the Fee Dispute Committee for the Mecklenburg County Bar as a volunteer fee dispute mediator. Since 2014, Ms. Risser has helped families mediate their family law matters. Parties may hire her privately, or Ms. Risser may be appointed by the court as a mediator. The benefits of mediation are many. Mediation is private, confidential, and self-scheduled, and the mediator acts as a neutral working toward a settlement. The parties may represent themselves or bring their attorneys. Mediation can be a highly effective tool if your goal is to avoid a lengthy and expensive court battle.

If you want Heidi to be your mediator, go to the Contact page.