Family Lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia
Bridging differences...
Pamela M. Pacetti is certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia to mediate family law matters. Recognizing that each family is unique, she provides sensitive, competent and creative assistance to clients in transition. Those individuals who choose Ms. Pacetti to facilitate their mediation will have the benefit of her ability, experience and forward-looking insight.
Mediation is an "alternative dispute resolution" process providing divorcing spouses an opportunity to settle matters related to their divorce with the assistance of a neutral third party rather than resorting to litigation. The mediation process offers many advantages over the acrimonious and adversarial experience of the courtroom. The primary benefit is the ability to reach agreements in an atmosphere that encourages respectful and cooperative negotiations that serve to foster and preserve positive communications between the parties, particularly when there are children involved. Mediation allows a couple to maintain discretion and dignity when dealing with the difficult personal and sensitive matters involved with divorce; it allows the parties to reach resolutions that are unique to their family's circumstances.
Mediation is not meant to replace the use of competent legal counsel by each party. The parties are encouraged to consult with legal counsel of their own choosing during the mediation process and/or prior to signing any mediated agreements. Although Ms. Pacetti is an experienced family law attorney, she cannot provide legal advice to either party nor can she act as either party's counsel when she is retained for the purpose of mediation.
Mediation sessions are scheduled at regular intervals and in two hour increments. The total number of sessions is dependent upon the number of issues involved in a particular case and the willingness of the parties to take control of their future. By exploring different options available to them, the parties can reach "win-win" resolutions rather than suffering the "win-lose" results typical of litigation. Unlike litigation, the parties voluntarily disclose all relevant information, and settlements reached with the participation of both parties are more likely to satisfy the individual needs of all involved. Agreements reached through mediation are statistically far more likely to be honored by the parties than results that have been court imposed.
Pamela M. Pacetti
Attorney at Law
3919 Old Lee Highway, Suite 82-C
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: 703-591-0056
Facsimile: 703-591-2443
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