Family Law Mediation Lawyer in Spokane

A Calmer Path Through Divorce & Custody Disputes

When a relationship ends or a parenting conflict grows, it can feel like your entire life is under pressure. Court hearings, deadlines, and constant disagreement are hard on you and your children. Family law mediation offers a different way to resolve these issues with more control and less open conflict.

At Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt, we focus exclusively on family law and have helped Spokane families navigate these transitions since 2006. As a family law mediation attorney Spokane parents and spouses turn to, we guide you through the process so you do not have to face it alone. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that protect your future and your children.

To discuss your situation with a family law mediation attorney Spokane residents trust, call (509) 571-2277 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Why Choose Our Firm For Mediation

Choosing who will stand beside you during mediation is as important as choosing who represents you in court. You need someone who understands both the legal rules and the emotional weight of family change. Our firm has focused on family law in Spokane since 2006, so mediation is part of what we handle every day, not an occasional add on.

Attorney Benjamin D. Platt brings a unique perspective as a trained Guardian ad Litem. This role involves looking closely at children’s needs, family dynamics, and what courts typically view as being in a child’s best interests. That experience shapes how we prepare you for mediation on parenting plans, decision making, and schedules, and it helps us keep the focus on long term stability for your children.

Many clients come to us with concerns about power imbalances or a history of domestic abuse. We take those concerns seriously. We talk openly with you about safety, communication patterns, and whether mediation is appropriate or whether a different approach is safer. When mediation is used in sensitive situations, we help you plan how to participate in a way that keeps your safety and boundaries at the center.

Our work has been recognized within the legal community. Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt has received the AVVO Client’s Choice Award, and Attorney Platt holds Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. These recognitions reflect client satisfaction and professional respect. For you, they mean you are working with a firm that other clients and lawyers trust when family issues are on the line.

How Family Law Mediation Works

Mediation is a structured conversation, guided by a neutral mediator, where you and the other party work toward agreement on issues such as parenting, property, and support. In many Washington family law cases, including those in Spokane County Superior Court, parties are encouraged to attempt mediation before a full trial. Mediation does not remove the role of the court, but it often reduces how much time you spend there.

The process typically starts with preparation. We meet with you to understand your goals, your concerns, and any safety issues that might affect how sessions are set up. We review key information, such as existing court orders, financial documents, and your ideas for parenting time. Our role is to help you enter mediation with a clear plan instead of reacting in the moment.

During mediation sessions, the mediator manages the discussion and remains neutral. The mediator does not represent either side or make decisions. As your family law mediation lawyer, we help you understand proposals, consider options, and stay grounded in your priorities. Depending on the mediator’s style, you may be in the same room as the other party or in separate rooms, with the mediator moving between you.

Every case has different needs. Some mediations are completed in a single day, while others require several sessions. Factors such as the number of disputed issues, the level of conflict, and the amount of financial information to review can affect how long it takes. We discuss likely timelines with you in advance, so you have a realistic sense of what to expect.

Mediation For Parenting & Property Issues

For many people, the most stressful part of divorce or separation is not the legal paperwork. It is the uncertainty about children, schedules, and finances. Mediation offers a way to address these questions in a more thoughtful and less adversarial setting, while still grounding the outcome in Washington law.

Parenting issues are often at the heart of mediation. Together with the mediator, you and the other parent work through a parenting plan that covers residential schedules, decision-making authority, transportation, holidays, and vacations. Drawing on Benjamin D. Platt’s background as a Guardian ad Litem, we help you frame proposals that consider what is realistic for your children’s ages, school obligations, and relationships, and that reflect what Spokane judges commonly look for in parenting plans.

Child support often arises in these discussions. Washington uses a child support schedule and worksheets to provide a framework. Within that framework, there can be room to address practical needs, such as extracurricular activities or sharing uncovered medical costs. We help you understand how the law applies to your situation, so you do not feel pressured into numbers that do not make sense for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for family mediation?

You are not required to have a lawyer in mediation, but many people find it helpful. We can prepare you beforehand, attend sessions when appropriate, and review any proposed agreements. Our goal is to help you understand your rights so you do not agree to something you later regret.

Is mediation a good idea if there was abuse?

Mediation may not be appropriate where there is serious domestic violence or ongoing intimidation. We talk carefully with you about safety, history, and current dynamics before recommending any process. If mediation is used, we work to put protections in place or suggest safer alternatives when needed.

How does a mediated agreement become a court order?

When you reach agreement in mediation, the terms are written into documents that can be filed with the court. We help draft or review those documents to be sure they reflect what you intended. Once signed and submitted, Spokane County Superior Court can enter them as enforceable orders.

To discuss your situation with a family law mediation attorney Spokane residents trust, call (509) 571-2277 to schedule a confidential consultation.