Alternative Dispute Resolution
Central Ohio Mediation and Arbitration for Family Law Disputes
Not every family law matter has to be decided in a courtroom. Mediation and arbitration offer private, efficient, and less stressful ways to resolve disputes—giving you and your spouse more control over the outcome and the process itself.
Central Ohio Mediation And Arbitration
Not every family law matter has to be decided in a courtroom. Mediation and arbitration offer private, efficient, and less stressful ways to resolve disputes—giving you and your spouse more control over the outcome and the process itself.
Once both parties reach an agreement, your attorney will prepare the necessary documents, and the court will approve them during a brief final hearing—making your agreement legally binding.
Some benefits of mediation include:
- Privacy: Mediation is confidential, unlike court proceedings that become part of the public record.
- Control: You and your spouse—not a judge—decide the outcome.
- Efficiency: Mediation is often faster and less expensive than traditional litigation.
- Flexibility: Sessions are more informal, and you can even choose not to be in the same room as the other party.
- Preserved relationships: The cooperative nature of mediation can make it easier to communicate and co-parent after divorce.
Even though mediation is less formal than court, having an experienced attorney is still essential. Your lawyer helps ensure your rights are protected, the terms are fair, and the final agreement reflects your goals.
Mediation
Arbitration is another form of alternative dispute resolution that’s more structured than mediation but still private and typically faster than a full court trial.
In arbitration, both sides present their case to an arbitrator, who listens to the evidence and makes a binding decision—similar to a judge’s ruling. Hearings are private, and the process can often be tailored to your family’s needs.
Sometimes, arbitrators also offer evaluative mediation, giving both sides an informal opinion that can help them reach a settlement without needing a full arbitration.
Arbitration
Finding Peaceful, Practical Solutions Outside the Courtroom
Whether you choose mediation or arbitration, both options can help you avoid the stress, time, and expense of courtroom litigation—while allowing you to move forward with dignity and clarity.
At Goodrum Law Group, we guide individuals and families through each step of the process, helping them find fair, efficient resolutions outside the courtroom.
Contact us today to learn more about mediation, arbitration, and which approach may be right for your situation.
Choosing the Right Approach
What is mediation, and how can it help in my divorce or custody case?
Mediation is a voluntary process where you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to resolve issues like property division, parenting time, or support. It’s private, cooperative, and allows both sides to control the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
Once an agreement is reached, your attorney will finalize the paperwork and submit it to the court for approval, making it legally binding. Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and more flexible than traditional litigation.
Yes. Even though mediation is less formal than court, having an attorney is essential to protect your rights and ensure the agreement is fair and enforceable.
At Goodrum Law Group, we guide you through every step—reviewing proposals, explaining legal implications, and making sure the final terms reflect your best interests and long-term goals.
Do you think I still need a lawyer if I choose mediation?
Arbitration is more structured than mediation. Instead of helping both parties reach a compromise, the arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a binding decision—much like a judge’s ruling, but in a private setting.
It’s typically faster and more flexible than going to court, and the hearing process can be customized to your family’s needs.
How is arbitration different from mediation?
Sheldon Goodrum
Meet Your Central Ohio Family Law Attorney
We know that when you’re facing divorce, custody disputes, or family conflict, it can feel like your entire life is in limbo. We’re here to guide you through the legal process with care and strategy, protecting what matters most and helping you move forward with peace of mind.
Principal Attorney and Founder
Meet Your
Central Ohio
Family Law Attorney
Principal Attorney & Founder
We make the law understandable, keeping you informed, prepared, and confident at every stage of your case.
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