Its latin for "in one's own behalf" and describes a self-represented party in the court.

In Washington state, it takes a minimum of 90 days once the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the court signed by both parties in uncontested cases.  The 90 days waiting period is mandatory.  It is finalized once a judge signs the paperwork so it depends on court calendar.  In contested divorces, it can take over a year in many cases.

Yes.  Attorneys are always permitted to attend a mediation, however, we ask attorneys not to participate.  Breaks may be granted for attorneys and their clients to discuss matters.

Yes, if both parties approve the support person prior to mediation.  A support person may be anyone of your choosing, but we ask them not to participate in the mediation conversation.  Step-parents or caregiving grandparents are a welcomed addition to parenting plan modification, for example, where they play an active role in the children's lives and may bring good insight into the decision-making process.

It depends.  Please review the restrictions in the restraining order to see if mediation is a viable option.  If unclear, speak with an attorney regarding the order.  I offer shuttle mediations for those that need to be in separate rooms.  Shuttle mediations put clients in separate rooms either online or in-person and the mediator goes back and forth between the rooms.

Mediation is a voluntary process and any client may choose to stop mediation at any time.  If there is no resolution, some clients may choose to extend their mediation into a 2 hour continuing session.

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Other clients may feel they tried their best at mediation and proceed to court.

Mediations cancelled 14 days prior to scheduled mediation shall be refunded 100%.  Any cancellation made after that date shall have a cancellation fee of 25% the total booked service fee charged to the cancelling party.

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Any mediation rescheduled 14 days prior to scheduled mediation shall be refunded 100%.  A reschedule request made after that date shall be refunded less 25% the booked service fee.