I founded Law and Mediation Office of Destinee Tartuffe to provide a supportive, affordable and effective alternative to the adversarial experience of costly litigation. Above all, I strive to achieve the best desired outcome for all mediation participants.
- Destinee Tartuffe
Mediation is an impartial, balanced, and safe proceeding which is facilitated by a third-party neutral- the mediator. The mediator plays a valuable and important role for the parties. By providing a neutral evaluation of each party’s position the mediator can be an important “reality check” for the parties to successfully resolve their dispute without the substantial personal, emotional, and financial cost expended during litigation.
Mediation proceedings are confidential. A mediator cannot be called as a witness for either party. Participation in the mediation process is voluntary, and the parties are free to leave the table at any time. However, once the parties’ consent to participate in the mediation process which indicates a general desire of all parties to resolve the dispute a mediator will discourage any party from “abandoning the process.” A mediator will try everything in their power to encourage the parties to work through the “road blocks” to reach a settlement that works for them and will resolve their dispute.
Mediation
I have found that the best way to build trust in a relationship is through preparation. The most successful mediations are those that allow me to show the parties or counsel that I understand the legal issues being disputed and more or equally as important it allows me to show the parties and counsel that I understand the facts underlying the dispute and by addressing those facts and their relationship to the law, while remaining neutral, that we can work to find a creative solution to resolve the existing issues and prevent litigation.
About the mediation process
· Destinee Tartuffe assists clients in transforming their disputes utilizing a joint mediation process which allows the participants to explore several unique pathways to resolution without the delay associated with back-and-forth negotiations associated with more traditional methods. The joint mediation process allows the participants to remain in charge of the outcome.
· The mediation process generally begins with each party/counsel being provided with a survey regarding the facts and position of each party. The mediator reviews the answers to the survey questions and a joint session is scheduled to set an agenda, further define the issues and ascertain the position and/or concerns of the parties/ counsel. The joint session may be followed by a separate caucus between the mediator and each individual party or their counsel. It also gives the mediator an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the validity of a particular position. Once it appears that a resolution is reached the parties will return to joint session to reduce the settled issues into a binding and enforceable agreement.
· Participating in the joint mediation process allows clients to make decisions that result in win-win settlements. These clients know they’ve reached the best settlement regarding their disputes, because they are the ones who made all the decisions.
· The joint mediation process can be one of the most cost effective and efficient approaches to resolving any dispute including family law matters.
· Joint mediation sessions are intended to be non-adversarial with the goal being to reach resolution of all issues in the dispute.
As a California Licensed attorney, Destinee Tartuffe meets jointly with the participants to explain the law that applies to their matter and inform them that each should have an attorney to advise them of how they should proceed if they do not understand or feel confident with any explanation provided. In joint mediation sessions, Destinee Tartuffe does not provide legal advice to either participant only explanation of the applicable laws.
Disclaimer: There may be times when mediation is not appropriate, for example: when there have been allegations of domestic violence, coercion, or undue influence. In situations such as these, please consult with an independent attorney of your choosing.
· During or upon conclusion of the joint mediation sessions Destinee Tartuffe can prepare the necessary paperwork that may need to be submitted to the Court. She can also draft a binding and enforceable agreement to memorialize the resolutions made during mediation.
Mediation as a Neutral
Law and Mediation Office of Destinee Tartuffe offer Virtual Mediation services as a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional face-to-face meetings. It allows clients to meet from anywhere they have access to a computer or smart phone and an internet connection. Mediation sessions can be scheduled at a time that fits the busy schedule of parties and counsel. Clients can be assured of confidentiality as there are no recordings of the sessions.
Virtual Divorce Mediation
The mediation process as applied in a Family Law matter helps to reduce the fear, confusion, and stress often associated with the divorce process. Mediation can help couples reach an amicable settlement allowing them to move forward successfully in their separate lives and/ or as coparents.
The process starts by listening. As a neutral Family Law Mediator, Destinee Tartuffe offers her clients a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that encourages open dialogue focused on transformation and resolution of the issues that arise in divorce proceedings.
Even couples who have reached a stalemate with each other have succeeded in reaching viable divorce settlements with the guidance and support of mediator.
Mediation In Family Law
When you choose Law and Mediation Office of Destinee Tartuffe you stay in control of the outcome. The decisions reached by you and the other party during the mediation process reflect what is best for you and your family's unique needs.