Family Law Mediation in Washington
Reviewed on 2/27/26 by Elizabeth Hoffman-Graff, J.D., Partner.
A Practical Path to Resolving Family Law Disputes
Mediation is a highly effective conflict resolution tool that can serve as an alternative to litigation in family law matters, giving families more control over the process and outcome. McKinley Irvin mediators bring decades of experience as family law attorneys and mediators to help clients reach fair, durable, and private agreements.
What Is Family Law Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps parties resolve family law disputes outside of court. Unlike a judge, a mediator does not make decisions. Instead, the mediator facilitates discussion, helps clarify issues, and guides the parties toward mutually beneficial agreements.
Mediation can be used to resolve nearly all family law issues, including divorce, child custody and parenting plans, child support, property division, and spousal support.
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation enables each person to represent their interests while working toward a place of mutually beneficial compromise. The process is:
- Flexible: Sessions can focus on specific issues or the entire case.
- Cooperative: Parties work together rather than against each other.
- Private: Mediation is confidential and takes place outside of court.
- Cost-Effective: Settling outside of court often reduces legal expenses.
- Self-Directed: You retain control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
- Durable: Agreements reached voluntarily are more likely to last.
How We Approach Family Law Mediation
McKinley Irvin mediators possess extensive knowledge of family law. Their experience enables them to mediate cases involving complex legal and financial issues.
Our mediators help people assess their needs, priorities, and motivations while sharing their experience as practicing family lawyers and mediators. They are dedicated to facilitating people's progress toward an equitable, practical, and stable agreement that ultimately brings closure to litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can use mediation?Mediation is available for divorcing couples, unmarried parents, and anyone involved in a family law dispute. It can be particularly effective in high-conflict cases where communication has broken down.
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How does mediation work?
Mediation can occur at any stage in the legal process to resolve disputes between parties. Each party and their attorneys attend scheduled meetings with a mediator who will facilitate negotiations. There are two common approaches:
- Shuttle Mediation: Each party meets privately with their attorney while the mediator moves between rooms (or Zoom sessions) to guide negotiations.
- Joint Mediation: Both parties and their attorneys meet together with the mediator for direct discussion and problem-solving.
Some cases use both methods, depending on what best fits the circumstances. Discussions are private and confidential, and nothing said in mediation can be used in court.
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Do I need an attorney in family law mediation?You are not required to have an attorney, but we strongly recommend that you do. An attorney can advise you on your rights, protect your interests, and review agreements before they are finalized.
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Is mediation legally binding?If parties reach an agreement, it can be formalized into a binding settlement that the court will enforce.
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What happens if we cannot agree?If mediation does not result in a settlement, you may try another mediation, proceed to arbitration, or continue to litigation. Mediation often narrows the issues, even if the entire case is not resolved.
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How is mediation different from arbitration?In mediation, parties control the outcome by reaching an agreement. In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision for the parties.
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How much does mediation cost?Mediators charge by the hour, and the cost is typically shared between the parties. This is usually less expensive than full litigation.
Speak With a McKinley Irvin Family Law Mediator
If you are considering mediation, McKinley Irvin can help you explore your options and guide you toward resolution.
Contact us online or call (888) 337-0258 to schedule a consultation with a McKinley Irvin Mediator.
