My name is Patricia Riley. I am an experienced divorce lawyer from other states, now doing mediation only; I work in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. Although born in Grand Rapids, most of my professional life has been spent in California and Colorado. Family issues brought me back to Michigan. Over the years I learned mediation can be a far better alternative to family divorce disputes, better than a court hearing. My office is just north of downtown at 1115 Taylor N.W, Suite 110, Grand Rapids, in a restored factory at the corner of Taylor and Coldbrook, parking is free.
You probably have questions about mediation – most people do have some questions and there is a good deal of confusion. Picking the best possible mediator is important. You need to pick a mediator that has the background to understand and guide you, a mediator that has a substantial background in divorce and family law issues. Wander the web site at your leisure and please contact me if you find a resource in this area, concerning mediation, divorce or child custody issues so that I can make others aware of the resource.
You need an experienced divorce mediator even if you have an agreement, because that agreement could be perilous. Unless you are skilled in taxes, real estate, division of pensions, valuation of assets, someone needs to point out the problems, and help you resolve the issues in a way that will work.
Mediation is an alternative method of settling your family law dispute. It can happen at the beginning of your divorce, or any time through the end. It can happen after your divorce if problems continue to arise. It is a method of getting you and your spouse to talk to each other in a protected environment. As your mediator I won’t make your decisions, I will only help you both articulate the issues. I will however, let you know if your agreement has rocky spots, and what changes you might consider. I insist on complete disclosure, and that sometimes means it gets argumentative, but the only way to settle things is to have all the facts. I hope to be the best mediator for your divorce case.
Consider mediation no matter where you find yourself in the divorce arena. Mediation can be an alternative to a do it yourself divorce or a divorce with no lawyers. Call me if you need help, and we will work this out.
Skilled Family Lawyer
I have extensive background in family law; you will find mediation and settling this case to be easier, heaper, and quicker. I have worked in various court systems, (most recently Michigan) and bring a unique flexibility to this field. After over thirty years of practicing law, I have developed a passion for mediation of family law issues. Before the mediation you will be sent forms to complete, so that I have a grasp of your issues before you begin. I do not charge for review of those forms, and it saves about an hour during the mediation.
I will be direct, straightforward and sometimes convey difficult messages. My style is generally pretty bottom-line. I will make sure you and yours are treated with courtesy and respect, while keeping you on track towards resolving the problems.
Reasonable Fees
Patricia Riley as of September, 2015, charges $ 175.00 per hour, and this fee is normally split between the parties, paid at time of the mediation. This is not the least expensive in the area. Nor is it the most expensive. Like most mediators I do not take credit cards for their fees.
Flexible Locations
My office is at 1115 Taylor NW, # 110, Grand Rapids, in a restored factory at the corner of Taylor and Coldbrook, parking on the Coldbrook side is free. If we need additional space to accommodate multiple lawyers, or perhaps an accountant or appraiser, I will arrange a site near downtown with multiple conference rooms if needed.
Riley Mediation is located in the Grand Rapids Metro Area of Michigan serving the following cities for divorce and family mediation. Grandville, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Jenison, Rockford, Comstock Park, Allendale, Byron Center, Caledonia, Forest Hills, Ada, Cedar Springs, Kentwood, Grand Haven, Zeeland, Lowell, Belmont, Cascade.
Flexible Schedule
As an inactive Colorado attorney, with a very minimal Michigan law practice, I have almost no active litigation base or court docket in the way of scheduling your mediation. Generally a mediation can be set within ten days.