Joe Basta As a mediator and negotiation coach I am struck by how often parties and their lawyers fail to think through exactly what they wish to achieve in mediated settlement negotiations, much less how they plan to get there. You will set your goals as a negotiator...

Laura A. Athens The Michigan Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA), signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on November 7, 2023, took effect on July 1, 2024.[1] Michigan has joined 30 other states in adopting this model statute. The Act replaces the prior...

by Philip Schaedler Introduction In the realm of family law, Michigan, like many other states, grapples with the delicate balance between protecting parental rights and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Cases involving allegations of parental neglect and...

By Lee Hornberger, Arbitrator and Mediator Introduction     This article reviews Michigan Dep’t of State Police v Michigan State Police Troopers Ass’n, ___ Mich App ___, COA 363241 (December 28, 2023) (Judges Gleicher, Jansen, and Rick), app lv pdg. In Michigan Dep’t...

By Michael S. Leib, Mediator and Arbitrator Introduction  In 2023 I was appointed to arbitrate a matter in which an out-of-state resident was a party to the proceedings.  The parties had agreed by contract to arbitrate here in Michigan and that Michigan law would...

  By Sheldon J. Stark – Mediator and Arbitrator  1. Introduction When mediators build a relationship with party decision-makers, gaining their trust and promoting their confidence in the mediator and her process, they create the foundation for a successful...

By Lisa W. Timmons, Esq. I have been immersed in the field of ADR as both a provider and practitioner for over 25 years. I am probably most widely known as the Executive Director of the Mediation Tribunal Association (MTA). MTA, the once pilot program that resulted in...

by Philip Schaedler Introduction Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has gained significant importance in the realm of domestic relations cases, providing a more collaborative, compassionate, and efficient way to resolve conflicts compared to traditional litigation....

By Paul F. Monicatti - Most disputes will settle as a result of mediation when all parties voluntarily participate in good faith, share the same objective of settlement, consider different points of view with an open mind, and are willing to compromise after...