Mediation
Mediation describes a process where parties with a dispute work with a neutral person, normally an experienced attorney, who assists them in resolving the issues in dispute.
The mediator is paid an hourly fee, which is normally divided by the parties but may later be assessed to one party as court costs.
Each party may bring an attorney to mediation, but it is not required. Neither party is obligated to accept any particular proposal. Communications and settlement offers during mediation normally may not be used in court.
Mediation enables a certain result versus an uncertain and expensive outcome through litigation.
Courts will sometimes require parties to attend mediation before a trial, especially in cases involving children.
Parties are wise to draft and sign a written agreement following any successful mediation. If a legal case is pending, a judge will need to approve your agreement in court.
learn more about military legal assistance
The ABA provides online legal information and resources for military families through Operation Home Front (www.ABAHomeFront.org).
When initiating a legal action against a military member, you must formally "serve" the member. Finding the member is often difficult.
Military members are required to manage their financial affairs and timely pay debts.
Only civil authorities can enforce payment of private debts. Creditors and debt collectors are not entitled to command assistance in collecting a debt.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA, is a law that protects military members by postponing or suspending certain civil obligations.
The law specifically protects active duty military members and those Reserve Component members serving on active duty on Title 10 orders.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) prohibits discrimination and acts of reprisal against members who serve in the uniformed services.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA, is a law that protects military members by postponing or suspending certain civil obligations.
Military legal assistance attorneys are unable to represent individual servicemembers or their families in civilian court.
The American Bar Association (ABA) Pro Bono Project provides an opportunity for civilian attorneys to assist active duty military clients E-6 and below and their family members.
