Consultation

Mediation is collaborative, inclusive, and transparent. Initial contacts should be sent as
email to matthewmhousejd@gmail.com or text message to (503) 643-5284.

Text messages and emails are preferred because the initial contact is usually made by one party.

To preserve fairness to both parties, Matthew prefers to limit one-on-one communication with mediation clients.

• The main purpose of the 30-minute meet-and-greet is for the mediator and the potential clients to get to know each other and to understand anything about the mediation process that you would like to clarify based on the preparatory information you will receive before the meet-and-greet.

• The specific issues that you need to mediate will not be discussed in detail at a meet-and-greet, except to briefly identify them.

Free 30-Minute Meet-and-Greet

• You will have the option of continuing for an additional hour for $123 for a comprehensive introduction, a preliminary discussion of the issues that pertain to your case, and a framework for the rest of the mediation process. Please see below for the details of the 90-minute introduction with free first hour.

90-Minute Introduction with Free First Hour

The introduction is divided into three 30-minute blocks:

The first 30-minute block is free of charge. Its content is similar to the 30-minute meet-and-greet session (see above for details).

The second 30-minute block is also free of charge when you commit to the 90-minute introduction.

• You will share the specifics of your case.

• Matthew will ask which components of the mediation process apply to you -- whether you have children under 21, your assets, your debts, your income, and other related details.

• Matthew will begin to present possible concerns and questions that clients often have about each element, so that you have a framework to address your needs in mediation without the conflict of discussing them at the introduction.

Only the third 30-minute block is billed time ($123).

• You and Matthew will continue to discuss your particular needs, although the introduction is not the setting in which to begin resolving the issues of the mediation.

• Matthew will discuss with you the likely timeframe of mediation based on the needs you have identified.

• He will share with you the preparation that you should expect to allow yourself time to complete. The preparation process for mediation is not especially time-consuming, but the particular "to do" list is different for each couple.

If you schedule the 90-minute introduction in advance, for a total cost of $123 paid of the time of scheduling, you will receive a questionnaire at the time that you reserve the introduction.

Completing the questionnaire will give Matthew a preview of your needs to consider in advance so that the 90 minutes with you can be used more efficiently.