The total cost of any case is difficult to predict. However, Forrest can usually give a pretty accurate estimate of fees at the end of the first two-hour mediation appointment. If you are able to reach all agreements in one two-hour meeting and then Forrest drafts and files all of the paperwork for you, you can realistically expect fees in the $3,000 to $3,500 range assuming a normal amount of back and forth (i.e., no major disagreements). This range assumes one meeting, all of the drafting and updating, filing the documents and seeing them through the court system. Additional meetings are billed at Forrest's hourly rate. The filing fee for divorce throughout Oregon is $301 and that is in addition to the mediation fees.

The length (and cost) of a case depends on a couple of things. First, it depends on the number and complexity of issues. If you have a lot of difficult issues, your case is likely to take longer. Second, it depends on how well the two of you can work together. If you have a number of difficult issues but the two of you work effectively together, your case may still go reasonably quickly.

Once an agreement has been reached, we can typically prepare the first draft of documents within one week. We will email you the documents for your review. You are encouraged to review the documents with an attorney, although you are not required to do so. You will presumably have some comments or changes to the documents. The process of reviewing, providing feedback and then updating the documents usually takes between two and four weeks, although it can go much faster than that if everyone provides feedback promptly. Once the documents are submitted to the court it usually takes the court a few weeks to review and sign your judgment. Clackamas and Washington Counties usually take 2 to 3 weeks to sign judgments; Multnomah County usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to sign judgments.

If your mediation only takes one meeting, you can be divorced in as little as six to eight weeks.

Yes! In fact, you are encouraged you to do so.  A joint consultation is a great opportunity for both people to ask any questions they may have, and to hear the same answer at the same time.  It is an opportunity for Forrest to learn more about your situation, and a chance for you to meet Forrest and see if he is the right mediator for you. 

If you are able to reach an agreement in mediation you will not have to go to court.  On very rare occasion a judge may have a question about a particular provision of the judgment. When that happens, Forrest can usually write a letter or submit a supplemental pleading to answer the question.

Absolutely. Mediation is a very efficient way of handling modifications. If the two of you have already decided on the overall agreement, we can have very brief meeting (maybe 30 to 60 minutes) and then do all of the paperwork for you. If you have not already reached an agreement, then mediation may also be a good fit for you. There is a $167 filing fee any time you file an updated judgment.

Yes. If you have an attorney, talk to your attorney about using mediation to try to conclude your case. Your attorney will be familiar with mediation and the mediation process. Mediation can be conducted either with or without attorneys present. You should discuss with your attorney whether it makes sense for attorneys to be present. Forrest is happy to mediate either with or without attorneys present. If one person wants their attorney at mediation, then both attorneys should be present (if both people have attorneys).

Yes. In Oregon, mediators who are attorneys can draft all of the necessary paperwork for you. Mediators who are not attorneys can only prepare a summary of the agreements reached. Most clients think that it makes sense to have the mediator draft the paperwork because the mediator was there for all of the negotiations and understands the agreements that were reached. Perhaps more importantly, the mediator will draft the paperwork in a neutral way. If one of the attorneys drafts the paperwork, it is possible that the paperwork will be drafted in a way that favors that attorney’s client.

Forrest is available to mediate at his Lake Oswego or Newberg offices, online via Zoom, or at your attorney's office.