Breaking Litigation Stalemates with Family Law Mediation
When court proceedings feel endless and resolution seems out of reach, litigation mediation offers a meaningful alternative. At NEO Family Law and Mediation LLC, we work with both parties—and often their attorneys—to help resolve contested matters outside the courtroom, even after litigation has already begun.
Our process is structured, neutral, and focused on reducing conflict, managing complexity, and achieving resolution without the emotional and financial cost of trial.
A Better Way Forward—Even During Litigation
Mediation during litigation provides a confidential, professionally guided space to work through unresolved issues and explore settlement options—without the pressure, cost, and uncertainty of trial.
We bring significant experience working with high-conflict relationships, complex legal and financial matters, and cases that have stalled in the litigation process. Whether parties are weeks from trial or simply worn down by ongoing court proceedings, mediation offers the opportunity to shift the tone and take back control of the outcome.
The Mediation Structure: With or Without Attorneys
Litigation mediation can be structured in a variety of ways, depending on the issues involved and the level of professional support each party needs.
(1) With Attorneys Present: Some parties prefer to have their attorneys attend the mediation sessions directly. This can be helpful in more complex or high-conflict matters where real-time legal input is important or where communication is particularly difficult.
(2) With Attorneys Advising in the Background: In other cases, parties may choose to attend mediation without their attorneys present and consult with them between sessions. This can reduce costs and create more space for direct, productive dialogue—while still ensuring legal guidance behind the scenes.
We work with each family and their legal teams to determine the best structure for the case. The goal is not to replace attorneys but to provide a setting where resolution becomes possible—with the right support, at the right time.
Goals and Outcomes
Our mediation process focuses on helping families:
- Finalize property division, support, and parenting issues before trial
- Create durable, workable agreements tailored to their unique circumstances
- Reduce the emotional toll of litigation on both parties and children
- Preserve resources—financial, emotional, and relational—that would otherwise be consumed by continued conflict
- Achieve closure and move forward with more control and stability
Litigation mediation is not a shortcut—it is a strategic and thoughtful alternative to continuing down a path that often feels adversarial, expensive, and overwhelming.
Why Choose Mediation Now?
Even when a case has already been filed—or has been in and out of court for months or years—it is not too late to choose a better process. Mediation can interrupt the cycle of conflict and refocus both parties on resolution, rather than escalation.
Our role is to guide that shift. We help parties clarify priorities, reality-test settlement options, and work toward agreements that bring meaningful closure. We are trained, neutral professionals with deep experience handling sensitive, high-stakes matters in and outside of court.
Examples of Successful Litigation Support Mediations
Divorce on the Brink of Trial.
The parties litigated for two years. Each party had complex compensation structures including stock options, performance bonuses, and in-kind benefits. The parties also had complex assets including pensions. After some advance preparation, the mediator resolved all issues and the parties avoided trial.
Shift from Litigation to Settlement.
The parties filed for divorce to seek restraining orders and then removed the case from court to attend mediation. The parties consulted with their attorneys as needed for legal advice and resolved their entire case, which preserved their coparenting relationship.
From Custody Fight to Coparenting.
The parents were in custody litigation for more than a year. While they exchanged proposed parenting plans, they were unable to reach an agreement. In mediation, the parents resolved all parenting issues including child support based on updated financial documents, and the case was finalized.
Divorce on the Brink of Trial.
The parties litigated for two years. Each party had complex compensation structures including stock options, performance bonuses, and in-kind benefits. The parties also had complex assets including pensions. After some advance preparation, the mediator resolved all issues and the parties avoided trial.
Shift from Litigation to Settlement.
The parties filed for divorce to seek restraining orders and then removed the case from court to attend mediation. The parties consulted with their attorneys as needed for legal advice and resolved their entire case, which preserved their coparenting relationship.
From Custody Fight to Coparenting.
The parents were in custody litigation for more than a year. While they exchanged proposed parenting plans, they were unable to reach an agreement. In mediation, the parents resolved all parenting issues including child support based on updated financial documents, and the case was finalized.
Seeking a New Approach? Discuss Your Situation with a Mediator Serving Northeast Ohio
If you or your client are currently involved in litigation and want to explore mediation as an alternative, we are here to help.
Call 440-696-0550 or email us today to learn more about mediation.
At our Solon-based office, you will find a supportive environment and a knowledgeable mediator ready to facilitate meaningful, solution-focused discussions.