FAQ about Mediation with Dr. LeMay

What happens during the free 30-minute consultation?

The initial free consultation gives you an opportunity to ask questions and decide if you’d like to work with me. It also helps me get a sense of what you’re looking for and if mediation is a good option for your situation. I will explain a little about the mediation process and what to expect.

If we’re a good fit, then I will ask for basic information (name, phone number, email) to schedule our first session. I will also email you relevant forms to prepare you for the first session.

What happens in the first session?

During the first session, we go into more depth into the mediation process, what it entails, my role in the process, advantages of mediation as related to your case, your position and desired outcome.

We make a list of the points we need to cover and reach an agreement on. We review an outline of a potential settlement agreement and we determine a future session schedule.

How often will we meet?

After our first session together, I can give you my recommendations, but ultimately, you’ll decide how often we will meet and for how long. Committing to the process and prioritizing a specific time is what makes a difference.

Depending on the issue, you may need time to find household or financial documents, gather numbers, or research a topic. The mediation process may involve you doing some homework in between sessions thus we will space them out accordingly.

How long will mediation take?

There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to this. It entirely depends on what brought you to mediation, your goals, and your effort and willingness to see things from a different perspective and potentially reach a compromise that works for both sides.

We will have sessions together and we will also split up in individual sessions so I can fully understand each party’s perspective, interests, motivations, and desires.

There are sessions during which we work intensely on negotiating back and forth and exploring all options available for both sides to consider and potentially agree on.

Any matters you reach agreement on will go into the settlement agreement, which becomes a legal document.

Is a mediation agreement legally binding?

A written settlement agreement is a legal document that details the resolution the parties reached during mediation. It becomes binding once both parties sign it. It is highly important to thoroughly review the agreement before signing it.

In some circumstances, a mediation agreement could be found unenforceable. Those circumstances include:

Mental incapacity, which means a party cannot understand the benefits or consequences of their decisions.

Undue influence, which means someone entered an agreement because the other party persuaded them to through trickery or deception,

Duress, which means someone entered an agreement because they thought if they didn’t, their life or someone else’s would be in danger

Fraudulent misrepresentation: If any party to the agreement misrepresents any material facts during mediation, any agreements reached could be considered unenforceable.

Of course, during the mediation, I will educate and remind you of these potential situations and caution you to not enter an agreement if any of these are potential options.

What makes you different from other mediators?

Most mediators are attorneys, psychologists, or financial advisors. Each one of these professions comes with strengths in certain areas. Of course, an attorney will have more knowledge and experience in the law and legal system. A psychologist will have more experience in family dynamic, children and co-parenting, communication, feelings and thoughts and interests below the surface. A financial advisor will display strengths in financial and insurance matters.

I have a dual professional background as a psychologist and a corporate controller. I understand the power of hurt feelings, motivations, fears and deep desires that drive behaviors as well as income statements, balance sheets, budgets, and bank statements.

However, I collaborate and consult with many professionals in different areas to supplement my knowledge and provide additional resources and education for my clients.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes. We ask for a minimum of 24-hour notice if you need to cancel a session. A cancellation fee will be charged to the credit card on file if you fail to attend a scheduled session or give less than 24-hour notice of cancellation.

How much does mediation with you cost?

Each mediation session is 60 minutes and it’s $250. Anything over 60 minutes, it will be prorated according to this rate. For example, 90 minutes will be $375.

We accept checks and all major credits cards. Full payment is due at the time of service.